SKILLS 25
Collaborate, Innovate, Succeed
The Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone
Tuesday 18th March 2025
9:00am - 3:30pm
WELCOME
Join us on Tuesday 18th March 2025 for Skills 25, a cross-sector skills summit with ambitions to serve as a dynamic platform for exploring and advancing essential skills driving Kent and Medway’s future. Skills 25 will focus on identifying challenges and opportunities related to the skills needed for success across industries and sectors in our evolving economic landscape.
Led by the Kent and Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and funded by UK Government, Skills 25 will serve as a nexus of knowledge exchange, providing actionable strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce.
Skills 25 will feature insights from leading experts in economic development, policy, education, and skills. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions and practical solutions to address the pressing challenges facing regional employers in workforce development, productivity and growth. A comprehensive schedule of talks, seminars, and workshops will be held throughout the day in dedicated breakout rooms, providing opportunities for networking and cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together industry and education, we aim to create a lasting legacy of engagement and innovation within the regional skills system.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
Managing Directors, Business Owners, Senior Leaders, and Learning and Development teams from Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Food and Food Production, Social Care, Education and the Creative sector, attending the summit can expect to:
- Identify challenges and opportunities in the regional skills landscape.
- Learn from industry experts and implement actionable strategies to boost your business success.
- Join thought-provoking discussions, discover innovative solutions, and build valuable connections.
- Foster collaboration between industry and education to drive economic prosperity and future growth.
The summit provides a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and connect with local education and training providers, policy makers and stakeholders. Discover how collaboration can unlock long-term benefits, drive economic prosperity, and fuel future growth.
The LSIP has made substantial progress in identifying and addressing critical skill gaps across key sectors such as Construction, Manufacturing, Health and Social Care, Food and Food production, Education and the Creative Industries. Developed with employers in partnership with education providers, and stakeholders, the LSIP has played a vital role in identifying and addressing skill gaps across these sectors and themes including digital skills, decarbonisation, and SME engagement. The LSIP’s future priorities include further enhancing the capabilities of the regional workforce through targeted training and upskilling initiatives.
The success of the Kent and Medway LSIP is a testament to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders invested in enhancing skills and improving opportunities within our communities. Their engagement and commitment have not only enriched skills discussions but have also played a crucial role in identifying the skills needs of our region. This engagement will continue to play a vital role in our future activities and will ensure we can achieve even greater outcomes for Kent and Medway.
From 9:00am - Registration and Networking
Join us from 9.00am for refreshments
9:00am - Welcome Address
10:00am - The Voice of Business in the Skills System
11:00am - Coffee Break
11:15am - Industry Workshops
12:45pm - Lunch and Networking
1:45pm - Industry Workshops
3:00pm - Closing Address
3:15pm - 3:30pm - Event Close and networking
*Proposed agenda, maybe subject to change
** Speakers to be announced shortly
TUDOR PRICE (Host)
Chief Executive, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
A skilled business leader within both the private and public sector. Proven operational and contract delivery experience with broad commercial expertise in all corporate functions. Experienced Chairperson and facilitator at national and regional level representing cross sector engagement.
Specialities: Leadership, Presentation & communication, Committee work, Bid writing, Economic Development
Relationship management, Operational design & delivery, Contract performance and delivery.
Set in scenic countryside next to the famous Leeds Castle, this Kent hotel has 14 meeting and function rooms for 600 guests.
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RE
wwwhttps://www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk/
