Cheshire East to stimulate business and innovation with new company

Cheshire East Council plans to create a new company in a bid to boost the skills of the borough’s workforce and help businesses in the area unlock growth.

Being considered as part of a review of the council’s existing growth and skills services, the company would potentially grow income and productivity, reinvest profits and stimulate entrepreneurialism and innovation.

Cheshire East’s council member for regeneration and assets, Councillor Don Stockton, said: “By bringing employers closer to training and skills providers at a local level we can realise economies of scale, address skills shortages and develop employment opportunities, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to work, and every business has the opportunity to thrive.”

Caroline Simpson, the executive director of economic growth and prosperity for the authority, was responsible for a report suggesting that, while the government spends £100m each year on skills in Cheshire East, just 1% goes through the council.

In the report, it was found that the new council-owned company could enhance the area’s labour market, improve high-value employment opportunities and get more locals into work.

The review will cover six core services, including work in areas such as business engagement and rates, inward investment and strategic employment sites, in addition to links with local business groups, investors and developers. It will also address high-growth programmes in sectors like science and technology.

The council already has several other wholly-owned companies, including bereavement support provider Orbitas and property development organisation Engine of the North.