A series of forums are being held across Somerset in the coming weeks to give employers the chance to let education providers and the Government know the skills they need for the future success of their businesses.

As part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which is being spearheaded in the county by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the consultation events will enable employers to have their say on the future of the skills provision in Somerset.

The next forums are:

· Wednesday, February 1: 2pm—4pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, BA20 2DD

· Thursday, February 2: 2pm—4pm at Sheppy's Cider Farm, Bradford-on-Tone, TA4 1ER

· Wednesday, February 8: 10am – 12pm at the Ammerdown Conference and Retreat Centre, Radstock, BA3 5SW

· Thursday, February 16: 10am – 12pm at Cricket St Thomas Golf Club, near Chard, TA20 4DG

· Thursday, February 23: 10am – 12pm at The Market House, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH

· Tuesday, February 28: 2pm – 4pm at the Alfred Gillet Trust, Street, BA16 0BQ

· Tuesday, March 14: 2pm – 4pm at Dunster Tithe Barn, TA24 6RY

· Wednesday, March 15: 2pm – 4pm at Taunton Rugby Football Club, Taunton, TA2 8BU

· An additional forum will be held in Bridgwater. Date to be confirmed

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is working with Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce to run a joint Devon and Somerset LSIP which is seen as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for the region to produce a skilled workforce better matched to the needs of business.

The Somerset LSIP was officially launched at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club earlier this month. Funded by the Department for Education, one of the first steps is understanding why businesses struggle to recruit and which skills are in short supply.

Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber, said: "Our Local Skills Improvement Plan is all about placing employers at the heart of defining local skills needs, and it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Somerset and Devon businesses to have their say.

"The in-depth findings of this work will help us to ensure skills delivered by our universities, colleges and training providers match what businesses require for the future.

"We have been hearing the region's businesses say they are being held back by a lack of skilled staff and the right courses to train existing employees – this plan offers the opportunity for employers to have their say and shape the skills provision of the future."

The Devon and Somerset LSIP team will work with universities, colleges and training providers to ensure the voice of employers is at the forefront of a skills agenda that meets the needs of our economies.

More information is available on the website https://devonandsomersetlsip.co.uk/