Celebrating progress: Sussex LSIP’s impact and the road ahead for business engagement‍

By Ana Christie, CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

As we reflect on the progress of the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), we’re excited to share the positive strides that have been made in shaping a more skilled, resilient workforce for our region. Thanks to the collective efforts of businesses, training providers, and educators, we’re seeing real, tangible benefits from the actions set out in the LSIP. However, there’s still more to be done — and we need your involvement to ensure continued success.

Progress we can all be proud of

The Sussex LSIP has already made a significant impact across several key areas, and we’re proud to celebrate the following achievements:

• A stronger partnership between employers and educators: The LSIP has fostered a more collaborative relationship between businesses and training providers. Employers have worked alongside educators to ensure that courses are tailored to the evolving demands of our local economy, ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to step into high-demand sectors such as digital, healthcare, manufacturing, as well as others.

• Targeted support for SMEs: Recognising the unique challenges faced by smaller businesses, FE Sussex (the consortium of Sussex colleges) have developed innovative training and CPD for employers which is flexible, responsive, and accessible.

What’s at stake? Why your engagement matters

While there is much to celebrate, the work is far from complete. The LSIP’s impact is already evident, but to continue building on this momentum, we need more businesses to get involved.

Why does your involvement matter? Because businesses are the drivers of skills demand. You know firsthand the skills gaps that need to be filled and the emerging challenges in your sector. Your insights and engagement are crucial to ensuring that the training and education available align with your needs.

By stepping up and actively participating, you can:

• Help shape the future workforce: Your feedback will directly influence the types of training programs and skills development initiatives that are prioritised in the coming years. By engaging with the LSIP, you ensure that your business has access to the talent it needs, both now and in the future.

• Access tailored support: The more businesses that get involved, the more resources we can bring to the table. From bespoke training packages to funding opportunities for skills development, being part of the LSIP ensures that your business gets the support it needs to thrive.

• Contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy: A region with a highly skilled workforce is better prepared to adapt to changes in the labour market. The more businesses that participate in shaping the skills agenda, the stronger and more resilient the Sussex economy becomes. This, in turn, benefits every business, no matter its size or sector.

The road ahead: continued progress and fresh opportunities

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing the positive momentum that has been built. However, there are still several key areas that need focused attention and collective action:

• Expanding digital skills: As the digital landscape evolves, so must our workforce. Digital skills remain a top priority for businesses across all sectors. There’s a pressing need to ensure that employees — from entry-level to leadership roles — are equipped with the technical expertise required for the future economy.

• Supporting inclusivity and diversity: We must continue to focus on ensuring that skills development opportunities are accessible to everyone. This includes increasing support for underrepresented groups, such as women in tech, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Regional collaboration for local impact: Not all areas of Sussex face the same challenges or opportunities when it comes to skills development. We’re working to ensure that support and resources are tailored to meet the specific needs of different regions, ensuring that no business is left behind.

Your role: get involved and make a difference

The next phase of the Sussex LSIP is all about collaboration and continued engagement. We’ve made incredible progress, but we need you — the businesses that drive Sussex’s economy — to help us reach new heights.

• Engage with us: Share your insights, challenges, and opportunities. Your input ensures that the skills agenda remains relevant and responsive to your needs.

• Get involved in training initiatives: Whether through providing apprenticeship placements, offering work experience opportunities, or collaborating with local training providers, your involvement helps shape the skills landscape of the future.

• Spread the word: Encourage other businesses in your network to get involved. The more voices we have, the stronger the LSIP’s impact will be.

Together, we can continue building a skilled, resilient workforce that not only meets the needs of today’s economy but is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Let’s keep the momentum going—join us in shaping Sussex’s
future workforce.

Further updates on our work can be found here: https://www.futureskillssussex.co.uk/

Contact Sussex Chamber Homepage to find out more and help shape the future workforce needs.