Meet the team - Zahra Hoccom, Project Coordinator

Zahra Hoccom is a Project Coordinator working on Workforce for the Future's HR Support Service. This will offer tailored advice for businesses via 1-2-1 sessions with HR professionals and access to a range of topical workshops. We caught up with Zahra, in her first week with Business West to discuss her background and her thoughts on the HR Support Service.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your career background?

I have worked in the Arts and Culture sector for the past two years. Working alongside charities and grassroot organisations to consult with communities and produce creative and inclusive events both in-person and online. I went to Falmouth University, and I really enjoy using my background in the arts to creatively solve problems. 

What are you most excited about in your role as Project Coordinator for Business West? 

I am excited to work in a fantastic team that helps businesses within the region to develop their skills and  to expand their knowledge. 

What help and skills support are your team able to offer businesses in the West of England?

We can offer a range of support; this is through the delivery of workshops within HR through our HR Support programme. Providing further skills in development through our Workforce for The Future programme and helping the Care Industry through our Adult Social Care programme. 

What do you think are the biggest HR challenges facing businesses at the moment?

I think recruitment, retention and staff development can often be the biggest HR challenges businesses face at the moment. 

What type of businesses do you work with, and who do you think can benefit from the HR Support Service?

We work with a range of SME’s that work across different sectors which shows that any business can really benefit from our HR Support Service. 

What motivates you in your day-to-day work?

Knowing that we are helping people to understand how to develop themselves and their businesses further. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I really love drawing, reading, practising yoga and exploring new places!

HR Support Service is fully-funded to SMEs in the West of England. To find out more about the service and to get in touch with the team, please visit this page.

Business West is delivering Workforce for the Future in collaboration with other partners and the West of England Combined Authority.

For more information on Workforce for the Future, please visit the West of England Growth Hub. The Growth Hub is the West of England Combined Authority’s dedicated business support service which offers free, one-to-one advice and guidance for SMEs.

The West of England Workforce for the Future programme has received £4m of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.