Devolution demands: focus on recruitment
In the first of a regular series, we ask local business owners and leaders what they want from any devolution deal for the East Midlands.
First up, it’s Alastair Campbell, founder of Nottingham-based Company Check.
“The focus should definitely be placed on recruitment. It’s the thing that every business struggles with; not just finding staff, but finding the right people who fit with a company’s culture and have the skills to help it grow.
“Our recent Business Census of company leaders in the East Midlands revealed that recruitment was the number one concern for firms last year. This isn’t something that’s exclusive to this region either; recruitment was shown to be the biggest challenge to business fortunes right across the UK, with one in four saying it was their biggest single concern.
“There’s no quick-fix to improving the recruitment situation. However, with the prospect of devolution edging slowly closer, local Government might soon get the chance to take control of this issue once and for all.
“With control of its own budget, investment in apprenticeships, skills training and careers programmes for young people could be increased. Firms could be further incentivised to take on new starters, whether that’s school leavers, graduates or older career switchers. It could also take the good work done so far by Nottingham’s Creative Quarter even further, to make the region a place where real talent wants to move to and settle.
“Despite the challenges, our data shows the East Midlands has the UK’s highest proportion of growing businesses by turnover. The prospect of devolution can only be a good thing to keep this success going over the long-term.”
Do you agree with Alastair? Let us know if not, and what do you think should be the priority post-devolution?
