Heidi is one of the Business Engagement Executives in our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team. She a key link between businesses and skills providers and is responsible for gathering intelligence from businesses on their future needs from the skills sector, whether that is through a 1-2-1 discussion, focus groups or other roundtable events.
We chatted to Heidi to find out more about her background, her current role at Business West and what she thinks would be the perfect Sunday.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career background?
I studied Theatre and Performance at University of Surrey and did a placement year at Pavilion Dance South-West. I now perform with Bristol Amateur Operatic Theatre (BAOS) to support my love of theatre.
After moving to Bristol, I fell into the world of events and previously worked as an event manager on large-scale exhibitions and European conferences where I also developed skills in marketing and sales. I then worked in SAAS sales and became a manager of a small team which is where I learnt about coaching. I decided to train as a life coach in 2021 and have loved working with women to boost their self-belief, confidence and see them achieve their goals. It is really rewarding, and I really enjoy learning new coaching techniques. I have a diploma and qualification in life coaching, but I am working towards my ICF certification at present. I have also worked for Bristol Sport Foundation as a Dance Coach.
If you couldn’t tell already, I am a multi-passionate person and love to learn. Working at Business West enables me to utilise all of the skills I’ve developed in my career so far while continuing to learn and network (plus working for a B-Corp organisation is just the cherry on top).
I am a big fan of Disney and was lucky enough to go to Disneyworld, Florida for my honeymoon in 2022. I love yoga, journaling, musical theatre, and reading self-development books.
What is your current role at Business West?
I'm a Business Engagement Executive for the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team.
What is your favourite aspect of your role?
Getting the chance to speak with different businesses either through 121 discussions or facilitating focus groups and really listening to the challenges they face when it comes to future skills needs and developing a workforce for the future. It is also interesting to hear about sustainability goals and digitalisation projects and the way different industries are preparing for the future.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Businesses are busy. So, the biggest challenge is booking in time for a longer discussion with them. However, knowing that it is an invaluable and unique opportunity for them to have their regional employer voice heard means I am happy to rise to the challenge of engaging with them.
What is one of the most surprising bits of information you’ve come across during your research so far?
There are a couple of things.
Firstly, that no matter what industry we speak to communication, leadership, project management and customer service are critical workplace skills that need more focus and development for people entering the workforce.
Secondly, when specifically looking at the Construction industry and focusing in on retrofitting I was surprised to find out that approximately 86,500 Project Managers with an understanding of the retrofit process will be required by 2028. Which shows how vital project management will be as a skillset.
What help and skills support are your team able to offer businesses as part of your role?
We can offer bespoke signposting services after a 121 discussion which provides businesses with information on internal and external offerings including training, recruitment, HR, networking and funding support within their region and beyond.
We also have our LSIP skills advisor who can provide a more tailored skills conversation and we run multiple events from meet the expert training sessions to full focus groups to discuss and network with other businesses, stakeholders and FE providers.
Tell us about your perfect Sunday – what would it involve?
No alarm, waking up with the sunshine, croissants and tea for breakfast, quick yoga session, then an explore of somewhere like a National Trust property, a town or a little further afield to the beach to see the sea. Take a walk, stop for a vanilla latte and maybe a spot of lunch.
Interested in chatting to Heidi and getting involved with the Local Skills Improvement Plan for your area? You can book a meeting here.
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