Commission launched to debate town's economy (From Warrington Guardian)

Commission launched to debate town's economy

12:00pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A DEBATE has been launched that will shape the future of Warrington’s economy.

The Warrington Skills Commission held its first meeting on Friday at The Centre at Birchwood Park.

And it aims to shape a public debate around what the focus should be for the borough’s economy for now and the future.

Lead by interim chief executive at Warrington Borough Council Steven Broomhead and executive director of children and young people’s services Kath O’Dwyer, more than 80 people attended the launch.

Mr Broomhead told the Warrington Guardian he wants business, colleges and members of the public to get involved in the debate.

He added: “We are not saying anything is wrong but we are saying what are the key issues and skiils which will develop our industry and economy.

“We want a lot of evidence presented to us around what sort of skills should we be developing in our current and in the future work force.”

Bosses from the town’s Chamber of Commerce, NHS, schools, colleges and the private sector are on board and the commission wants to hear from as many people as possible.

Two workshops will be arranged in the coming weeks, the first for the business sector and second for the education and skills sector.

There will also be an opportunity for organisations and individuals to make representations at a public meeting in December.

A full report will then be prepared in the new year.

Kath O’Dwyer added: “Around 80 representatives from local businesses attended the launch which was a very encouraging start.

“This project offers a fantastic opportunity for all sectors to work together to secure our economic growth and sustainability whilst improving the life chances for the people of Warrington.”

For more information visit warrington.gov.uk/skillscommission or e-mail communications@warrington.gov.uk.