Local Skills Improvement Plans released
Business West Chambers of Commerce has released new Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for the West of England and North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset (in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce).
The LSIPs provide an employer-led assessment of current and emerging skills needs, alongside a clear programme of actions to better align education and training with labour market demand.
They provide a summary of:
- The key sectors driving the economy and future growth
- The main skills challenges facing employers
- Current activity and collaboration across employers, providers and local partners
- Priority actions to improve access to training and strengthen workforce development
- Opportunities linked to major investments and emerging industries
Key themes
While each local area has distinct strengths, priorities, and dominant sectors, many skills challenges are shared. Several common priorities shaping skills across the region have been identified including:
- Digital and AI capability
- Net zero and sustainability skills
- Core employability skills
- Recruitment and retention challenges
- Access to training provision
Since their inception in 2021, the LSIPs have given employers a stronger voice in shaping local skills priorities. These reports are not an end point; they are a platform for continued action. Employers have been clear about the skills, behaviours and training access they need to grow, adapt and invest with confidence. Our role now is to help keep those conversations alive, strengthen collaboration across the system, and ensure local skills delivery continues to respond to real economic need.
Local Skills Improvement Plans work best when they bring together employers' needs, regional priorities, and practical delivery. The West of England's Growth Strategy sets out a plan for 72,000 new jobs over the coming decade. Employers have been clear about the skills and training needed to support investment and growth. Through the region's Skills Strategy, with partners we are determined to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the success of the country's fastest-growing regional economy. Collaboration between the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Business West, employers, and training providers is helping to align skills provision with the needs of the future economy. Together we will build on strong foundations for continued action, ensuring the LSIP delivers lasting benefits for businesses, learners, and communities across the West of England.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is proud to help shape the 2026 Local Skills Improvement Plan, ensuring it reflects the real needs of businesses across the county. This plan sets out a shared commitment: to equip people with the skills they need, enable businesses to grow and compete and support a resilient, inclusive economy for Somerset. We look forward to continuing to work with partners across the system to turn these priorities into reality.
You can download the full reports here:
If you have any questions about the findings in these reports, or would like support with your business skills needs or the actions listed in Annex B, please contact us.
Our skills advisors can also provide guidance on a variety of topics to help you attract, recruit, develop, and retain your workforce. You can find out more here.