Bella is one of the Business Engagement Executives in our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team. She is 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 Bella 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’ve been at Business West since October 2022. I moved to Bristol 10 years ago to study Biomedical Sciences at UWE, and since then have worked in a variety of scientific roles in both the private sector and the NHS. I’ve worked with drug-resistant bacteria and supported the cervical cancer screening programme as a Laboratory Scientist, amongst some other things.  

What is your current role at Business West? 

I’m a Business Engagement Executive for the Local Skills Improvement Plan team, so I’m regularly in contact with people to gain insight into the skills gaps in the region. I sometimes describe myself as a quasi-agony aunt for businesses, where we discuss what’s going well for them and what’s not going so well, then I can suggest some people to get in touch with or organisations to look up based on our conversation.  

What is your favourite aspect of your role? 

I really enjoy talking to people as a part of my role, as well as being able to offer solutions to people’s problems. I am also really proud of the fact that the research we’re undertaking will support learners to gain skills that will be more relevant to their roles, and will support the creation of more accessible learning opportunities across our three regions - Gloucestershire, Swindon & Wiltshire and the West of England. 

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?  

Working with people can be challenging, trying to organise meeting times and managing expectations. Getting businesses to understand the benefits of taking time to interact with their local LSIP can also be a big challenge when it’s not necessarily business critical. 

What is one of the most surprising bits of information you’ve come across during your research so far? 

That 90% of Black, Asian and other minority groups in the UK earn under the living wage. Being Latin American myself, I have a keen interest in equality, diversity and inclusion and hope to see this figure go down. 

What help and skills support are your team able to offer businesses as part of your role? 

We are able to support through signposting to a range of courses, skills training and funding within the West of England, Gloucestershire and Swindon & Wiltshire. We have a large virtual whiteboard to keep track of what’s on offer. This can range from green and digital support, equality, diversity and inclusion, to local organisations, support groups and our own Business West offerings. 

Tell us about your perfect Sunday – what would it involve? 

I would spend the whole day on the beach with my dog and loved ones, have a barbecue/picnic and go rock pooling. 

Interested in getting involved with the LSIP? You can book a 1-2-1 discussion with Bella here.