New chamber president to champion skills agenda

The new president of East Midlands Chamber has said that skills will be front and centre of her agenda for the year ahead.

At the chamber’s AGM held last week at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant, Dawn Whitemore took over the position from Stuart Dawkins, who stepped down after completing an extended two years as president.

Dawn who is principal and chief executive of Leicestershire-based SMB College Group, previously established the University of Derby Corporate – an operating division dedicated to working with employers through higher apprenticeships.

In her first speech as president, Dawn said: “The time is perfect for me to be East Midlands Chamber president because it’s a real opportunity for me to highlight how important skills development is and link it directly in with our businesses.

“Why shouldn’t we be leaders in developing a joined-up approach to making sure our businesses get the skills they need?

“No business knows exactly what they want when it comes to skills – they have an idea, but they don’t know now what skills they will want in five years’ time.

“Businesses need to be vocal about what they need because that’s the way things change – if we get our skill provision right, with the right sort of investment, that increases the benefits to the economy and society.

“Our members already appreciate lobbying, and I want to use my time as president to really help translate what businesses and Further Education need to ensure the skills of the future are delivered.

“My campaign for the year is going to be about making sure businesses embrace the skills agenda and influence what is needed.

“Our region is already stronger than most, but if we get that right we could lead the country in skills.

“It’s about changing lives through equipping people to be self-sufficient and independent. I’m really excited about the next 12 months. I think it’s an opportune time to be doing this.”

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We all know the skills challenges businesses face now – championing skills for the future and life-long learning is essential for businesses to determine what skills will be needed in the short, medium and long term.

“After knowing Dawn for about 20 years across her FE career, I’m delighted to work much closer with Dawn in her year of presidency of the chamber.”