Skills

Economic Growth, Skills Development 19 August 2026

Costs Crisis Hampering Hiring

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:        

“Although unemployment has held steady at 4.9%, this cannot hide the wider problems bedeviling the UK’s job market.  

“Business confidence is at a post-Pandemic low and the squeeze on firms’ finances shows no signs of easing. 

Business Growth & Development, HR & Recruitment 18 August 2026

PEM welcomes 20 new trainees to launch their professional careers.

PEM is delighted to welcome 20 new trainee professionals who are joining the firm this week to begin their accountancy career journey.

The intake includes both A-level school leavers and graduates, who will work across PEM’s Accounts, Audit, Tax and Virtual Finance Office (VFO) teams. Alongside supporting clients and gaining practical experience, the trainees will undertake professional study programmes over the next three to five years as they work towards achieving their professional qualifications.

Economic Growth, Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 30 July 2026

Skills reforms could strengthen Cambridgeshire’s future workforce

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Government’s latest measures to strengthen technical education, expand post-16 provision and reduce barriers to apprenticeships.

Employers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough consistently tell us that access to people with the right technical and transferable skills is one of the biggest constraints on growth. These announcements could help address that challenge, provided national investment is shaped by local employer demand.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 28 July 2026

New technical education pathways set to boost opportunities for young people across Cambridgeshire

Young people across Cambridgeshire could benefit from major reforms to technical education announced by the Prime Minister, giving 14-year-olds earlier access to industry-focused learning, work experience and employer engagement.

The reforms will create prestigious new technical education pathways from Year 10, allowing students to combine core academic subjects with practical skills development linked to local growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, AI, construction, health and care.

HR & Recruitment, Next Generation 28 July 2026

Fixing the labour market will be a defining feature of Andy Burnham’s premiership

Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm.

The UK labour market is failing to gain momentum as the unemployment rate held at 4.9% in May while earnings growth (excluding bonuses) remained at 3.4%

HR & Recruitment 23 July 2026

Weak Business Confidence Impacting Hiring 

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:       

“Today’s labour market data is a stark example of the challenges awaiting Andy Burnham as he settles into Number 10. 

Next Generation 15 July 2026

Bright Sparks – Local school children get a glimpse into the science ‘Behind the Buses’

Primary school pupils have discovered the science, engineering and technology that keeps the region moving, after taking part in a ‘Behind the Buses’ experience with Stagecoach East and Cambridge Science Centre.

The immersive day gave Year 4 pupils from Beaupre Community Primary School in Outwell the opportunity to explore the science behind public transport, combining hands-on STEM learning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Stagecoach East’s Peterborough depot.

HR & Recruitment 13 July 2026

Recruitment Challenges Continue to Stall Hiring  

Less than a quarter (23%) of firms are expecting to increase the size of their workforce over the coming months, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). 

The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook shows most businesses (66%) are planning to keep with their existing staffing numbers, while 11% of firms are planning to cut staff. 

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 13 July 2026

Refreshed Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to power Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s growth over next three years

Cambridge, 10 July 2026: The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) have today published a three-year plan to deliver the skills and training needed to achieve the region’s ambition to double – and ultimately treble – the size of its economy by 2050.

The refreshed Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 is built on one of the most extensive local evidence bases in the country, with 341 employer survey responses, 70 in-depth interviews and continuous labour market intelligence gathered since 2023.

Next Generation, Skills Development 6 July 2026

Local recruitment expert advises businesses reframe marketing to overcome recruitment challenges

According to a recent report, 32% of local businesses struggle with recruitment due to a lack of candidates – something that recruitment marketing firm, crooton, finds surprising.

Stephen Anderson, CEO of Cambridgeshire-based businesses crooton, says that many traditional recruitment tools ignore ‘passive candidates’ and therefore ignore 73% of the potential candidate pool – which could explain why so many local businesses are struggling with recruitment. 

The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Skills Survey 2026 cited that 52% of local businesses are finding recruitment challenging. 39% of these shared that applicants lack the required skills and 32% said that challenges were due to a simple ‘lack of candidates’.

Economic Growth, Skills Development 6 July 2026

Local businesses “holding their nerve” as rising costs and global uncertainty put growth at risk

Businesses across the region are continuing to show resilience in a tough economy, but rising costs, weaker cashflow and global instability are putting growth and investment at risk, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.

Skills Development 23 June 2026

Inspiring the region’s future employees

Free opportunity in Cambridge for students interested in accountancy and finance careers First Intuition, a leading accountancy training provider, is delighted to announce the return of its Accountancy Academies at its centres including Cambridge.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 22 June 2026

New skills survey reveals recruitment and training challenges facing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough employers

A new report from Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed the scale of skills, recruitment and training challenges facing employers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Economic Growth, HR & Recruitment 18 June 2026

Hiring On Hold

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:      

“While unemployment fell slightly to 4.9 per cent, the expectation is that it will rise as businesses remain cautious about hiring. Our latest forecast suggests it could reach 5.2 per cent by Christmas as firms struggle with labour cost pressures.

“With vacancies falling and a rise in economic inactivity, this would suggest many businesses are pressing pause on recruitment as uncertainty looms around costs, global headwinds and domestic policies. 

Business Growth & Development, HR & Recruitment 16 June 2026

Transforming the New Hire Journey: Capytech UK’s End-to-End Onboarding Solution for Cambridge and Peterborough Businesses *Digital & IT, HR & Recruitment*

Businesses across Cambridge and Peterborough are expanding, but in today’s competitive market, securing top talent is only half the battle. The real challenge? Keeping them engaged and productive from the moment they say “yes.” *The Problem* The traditional onboarding process is often disjointed, paper-heavy, and overwhelming.

Far too many organisations rely on a chaotic first week filled with massive policy manuals, generic presentations, and unstructured shadowing. The result? A stressful experience for the new employee, a massive time drain for management, and a significantly increased risk of early staff turnover. When the journey from signing the contract to becoming a fully productive team member is fragmented, businesses lose both time and money.

Awards, Skills Development 10 June 2026

The College of West Anglia Hosts Regional WorldSkills Hairdressing Competition at Wisbech Campus

The College of West Anglia recently welcomed talented hairdressing learners from across the region as it hosted a regional heats competition as part of the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition programme at its Wisbech campus.

The event brought together students and apprentices from colleges and training providers across the region to demonstrate their creativity, technical ability and professionalism in a live competition environment designed to reflect industry standards.

Digital & IT, Skills Development 1 June 2026

FastTrack — Bespoke E-learning in 4 Working Days

FastTrack is Capytech’s managed e-learning production service, designed for UK businesses that need high-quality digital training without the long lead times.

You supply the content, a policy, a procedure, a set of guidelines, and Capytech structures it into a fully interactive, SCORM-compliant e-learning module, ready to deploy via any LMS or learning platform.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 28 May 2026

Milburn Review highlights importance of local partnerships in tackling youth employment challenges

The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the publication of the interim findings of the Milburn Review, which highlights the growing challenge of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), and reinforces the need for stronger links between employers, education providers and skills systems.

Next Generation 28 May 2026

Milburn Review ‘Must be a wakeup call’ 

Responding to publication of the Milburn Review interim report, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“The Milburn report must be a wakeup call for policymakers about the crisis of young people not in employment, education and training.  

Economic Growth, Next Generation 19 May 2026

UK jobs market begins to crack as unemployment rises to 5%

Unemployment has risen from 4.9% to 5% in the three months to March — a rise that will intensify fears of an economic slowdown. Despite promising growth figures in the first quarter and the IMF upgrading its forecast for UK growth for 2026 from 0.8% to 1%, this rise delivers the clearest warning yet that pressure is set to mount across the economy.

Next Generation 19 May 2026

Vacancies Continuing To Fall As Businesses Press Pause 

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:     

“With unemployment at 5%, the expectation is that it will rise this year as business uncertainty grows amid the UK’s political unrest and the Iran War. Our latest forecast expects it to increase to 5.5%.  

Business Growth & Development, Green & Sustainability, Next Generation 27 April 2026

CWA Green Skills Academy opens in Wisbech marking major boost for Fenland’s future 

The College of West Anglia has officially opened its new Green Skills Academy at its Wisbech campus; celebrating a major investment in sustainable skills and future opportunities for the Fenland community. 

Next Generation, Skills Development 27 April 2026

CWA Cambridge careers fair connects students with industry experts

Students at the College of West Anglia’s Cambridge campus met employers, organisations and industry professionals from across a range of specialist sectors at a recent careers fair designed to inspire their next steps.

Next Generation 22 April 2026

Skills Planning Vital To Tackle Gen Z Drift

A new report on a pioneering scheme for business-led skills planning in England has identified a pressing need to better engage Generation Z with the workplace.   

The analysis of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) found they have engaged thousands of people and employers in the training and education that firms desperately need.   

Business Growth & Development, Skills Development, Women in Business 20 April 2026

Cambridge PR director Anne Buckland achieves CIPR Chartership

Anne Buckland, Co‑Founder and Director of PR at the Cambridge strategic communications and PR agency We Do Stories, has achieved Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 17 April 2026

Local skills plans key to connecting young people with careers, says Cambridgeshire Chamber

A new national report has reinforced the vital role of employer-led skills planning in tackling youth disengagement, with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) highlighted as a key driver of progress in connecting businesses with education and training.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 16 April 2026

Skills Planning Vital To Tackle Gen Z Drift 

A new report on a pioneering scheme for business-led skills planning in England has identified a pressing need to better engage Generation Z with the workplace.   

The analysis of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) found they have engaged thousands of people and employers in the training and education that firms desperately need.   

Business Growth & Development, HR & Recruitment 10 April 2026

Trade Union Access Proposals ‘A Blow For Business’ 

Responding to the government’s proposals on Trade Union Rights of Access, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

“Smaller firms fear that plans to give Trade Unions new rights of access to their premises will damage productivity at a time when they are already under significant pressure. 

Skills Development 10 April 2026

Wisbech paint supplier donation helps the next generation of vehicle repair workforce

A Wisbech automotive paint supplier is helping the next generation of vehicle repair specialists gain hands-on industry experience after donating materials to the College of West Anglia (CWA).

Next Generation, Skills Development 8 April 2026

How Gen Z is reshaping job hunting and what employers need to know!

Gen Z is redefining what it means to search for a job. Unlike previous generations, their priorities extend far beyond job titles and salaries. While career progression still matters, there is a much stronger emphasis on achieving a healthy work-life balance, as well as access to meaningful learning and development opportunities. For this generation, success is not just about climbing the career ladder, it is about finding work that feels purposeful while maintaining personal wellbeing.

Next Generation 7 April 2026

From Tradition to Tomorrow: Empowering Peterborough’s Young Voices

Peterborough Cathedral launches Future Voices, a transformative fundraising campaign to secure the next generation of choristers and sustain the city’s living musical heritage.

Next Generation 19 March 2026

Unemployment Remains A Threat 

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   

“With unemployment at 5.2% for the quarter, and expectations it will continue to rise, there are clear signs that pressure is growing on the labour market. Our latest forecast expects it to climb to 5.5% this year.

Business Growth & Development, Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 16 March 2026

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Welcomes National Youth Employment Drive

The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a major youth employment drive from the UK government backed by £1 billion, designed to create around 200,000 jobs and expand opportunities for young people entering the workforce.

Skills Development 11 March 2026

Keystone Marketing launches ‘Three for Free’ strategy sessions to help organisations solve marketing

Organisations that feel stuck with a marketing challenge they cannot quite unpick are being offered the chance to gain fresh perspective and practical direction through a new initiative launched by Keystone Marketing.

Next Generation, Skills Development 10 March 2026

Young job hunters get positive help in work quest

“You apply, apply and apply. When you constantly get rejected it takes its toll.”

CJ Turner describes the tough reality of looking for a job. But he remains undeterred, and says he now has new confidence.

Green & Sustainability, Next Generation 24 February 2026

Powering a Greener Future: CWA Welcomes Anglian Water Staff to Sustainability Bootcamp

The College of West Anglia (CWA) has been hosting Anglian Water staff taking part in a Sustainability Bootcamp in its new Green Skills Building in Wisbech. The course is focused on developing low-carbon knowledge and a practical understanding of sustainable technologies.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 17 February 2026

Apprenticeship Reform Must Go Further to Meet Business Needs, Says Cambridgeshire Chamber

Following National Apprenticeship Week, the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has backed calls from the British Chambers of Commerce for further reform of the apprenticeship system, warning that current changes do not go far enough to meet the needs of employers.

Next Generation, Skills Development 12 February 2026

New Apprenticeship Opportunities For 2026 As Company Celebrates Ten Years of Scheme

A Cambridge company is announcing new Apprentice roles for this year to mark National Apprenticeship Week (9th-16th February) and also the tenth successful year of its own award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme.

Skills Development 10 February 2026

Apprenticeship System Reform Must Go Further to Meet Business Needs

A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce is calling on government to go further in reforming the apprenticeship system to ensure it is fit for the 21st century and able to meet the real needs of businesses.

Next Generation, Skills Development 10 February 2026

Apprenticeship System Reform Must Go Further

A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the government to reform the apprenticeship system to make it fit for the 21st Century.

Skills Development 28 January 2026

Allison Homes strengthens leadership and powers into 2026 after transformational year

Allison Homes is putting people first as it powers into 2026, following an exceptional year of workforce investment, key internal promotions and record business growth.

Next Generation, Skills Development 26 January 2026

Future pathways take centre stage at College of West Anglia Wisbech careers fair

College of West Anglia (CWA) hosted a careers fair at its Wisbech campus, bringing together students, employers, and training providers in the college’s new Green Skills Academy.

Business Growth & Development, Skills Development 19 January 2026

HR with a Twist!

As the Chamber continues to evolve in an ever-changing, fast-moving and unpredictable world, we’re investing in our team – and in how we can better support our business community.

Next Generation, Skills Development 19 January 2026

Italian Spinone Expert Delivers Specialist Dog Grooming Session at CWA Wisbech

Level 2 and 3 Dog Grooming students at the College of West Anglia’s (CWA) Wisbech campus welcomed an external industry expert this week, as specialist breeder Shirley Barrett from Barold Kennels in Lincolnshire delivered a master class on Spinone specific grooming.

Next Generation, Skills Development 5 December 2025

A Royal Spotlight on Inspire 2 Ignite CIC and the Citizen Hub

Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, representing both their organisation and the Citizen Hub, recently attended a national volunteering showcase at Windsor Castle, marking an important moment of recognition for community-led impact across Cambridgeshire.

The event was attended by His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen, The Federal President of Germany, and Ms Elke Büdenbender, and brought together charities, community organisations and volunteers from across the UK.

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 5 December 2025

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Respond to New National ‘Roadmap for Local Skills’ with Renewed Commitment to Employer-Led Skills Planning

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce have welcomed Skills England’s newly published Roadmap for Local Skills and the updated statutory guidance for Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). The roadmap sets out a national framework for strengthening local skills systems, requiring regions to identify their tailored skills needs, engage employers and education […]

HR & Recruitment 3 November 2025

Celebrating Success at the Best Employers Awards Conference 2025

On Wednesday 15th October, Susie and Emma attended the Best Employers Eastern Region Awards Conference 2025 at Newmarket Racecourse.

Skills Development 31 October 2025

College group hears from inspirational local figures during celebration of Black History Month

Eastern Education Group hosted a number of activities across October in support of Black History Month.

Economic Growth, HR & Recruitment 30 October 2025

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce urgently calls on regions MPs to take action on Employment Rights Bill

Businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are warning that the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill could still have unintended consequences for jobs, investment, and local growth if it proceeds without further change – but have welcomed several key amendments put forward in the House of Lords that would help to rebalance the legislation. In a letter […]

HR & Recruitment, Life Sciences 29 October 2025

Diabetes UK letter for support – WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU

Dear fellow Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce member. Would you be interested in making a difference for those living with, or affected by diabetes in your local community? Here’s why your support matters: With 1 in 5 Adults in the UK currently living with diabetes or prediabetes, there aren’t many people who are not connected in […]

Next Generation, Skills Development 29 October 2025

Form the Future appoints two Non-Executive Directors to accelerate its regional growth and impact

Cambridge-based social enterprise Form the Future CIC has announced the appointment of Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK, and Professor Andy Neely OBE, Professor of Manufacturing and previously Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Relations at the University of Cambridge, as new Non-Executive Directors. The appointments strengthen Form the Future’s strategic leadership as it scales […]

Economic Growth, HR & Recruitment 24 October 2025

Protecting your wealth ahead of the Autumn Budget

The Autumn Budget, scheduled for late November 2025, is expected to bring significant tax changes as the Government seeks to close a large fiscal gap. With speculation surrounding Inheritance Tax, ISA allowances, property levies, and Capital Gains Tax reform, proactive financial planning has never been more important. Acting now could help secure benefits under current […]

Skills Development 24 October 2025

The story of the NEC Charity Hub and how it came to be

An initial chat about empty offices in Cambridge, has led to a fully functioning charity hub just a few months later. The North East Cambridge Charity Hub is enabling six local groups and Support Cambridgeshire to work in a professional and affordable environment, whilst building connections with each other, meaning their time and energy can […]

HR & Recruitment 24 October 2025

Become our Headline Sponsor for Star Shine Night Walk 2026

By confirming your sponsorship by November, your business will receive the following, while helping us continue to provide outstanding care to patients and families across Cambridgeshire. Sponsorship opportunities include: ✅ Your logo on all promotional materials – posters, flyers, roller banners, and PVC banners displayed at Park & Ride sites across Cambridgeshire ✅ Logo on […]

Skills Development 23 October 2025

Scheme To Ease Planning Logjam Hits Milestone

A business-led project to cut planning bottlenecks has hit a new milestone as the first cohort of student planners enters university. The British Chambers of Commerce set up the Planning Skills Fund in 2024, in partnership with Aviva, and the Royal Town Planning Institute. The aim is to increase skills and capacity in Local Planning Authorities […]

Skills Development 21 October 2025

Alan Boswell Group welcomes nine new apprentices to Norwich and Cambridge offices

Alan Boswell Group has welcomed nine new apprentices to its Norwich and Cambridge offices as part of its long-standing apprenticeship programme. The recruits will be working towards the Level 3 Insurance Practitioner – Junior Broker Apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience across multiple departments and learning directly from the Group’s 450-strong team of professionals. Since launching in […]

Skills Development 17 October 2025

ST1 Group Invests in Future Talent with Four New Starters

ST1 Group is proud to welcome four new team members into its Commercial and Quantity Surveying divisions — the latest recruits to benefit from the company’s bespoke Training & Mentoring Programme, which provides tailored career development, RICS APC support, in-house training, and one-to-one mentoring. The programme is designed to help early-career professionals and career-changers grow […]

Skills Development 17 October 2025

Over 1000 Visitors Attend West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group’s 100th Birthday Party

Over 1000 visitors attended a family day out to celebrate the 100th anniversary of West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group (EEG) – valued Chamber Patrons. The occasion took place on Out Risbygate Street in Bury St Edmunds and offered the chance for the community to come to together to celebrate this centenary landmark. The […]

Next Generation 17 October 2025

Meet Cambridge Announced as Finalist for Two ABPCO Excellence Awards

Meet Cambridge, the official conference and events bureau for Cambridge, has been named as a finalist for two entries at The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) Excellence awards. The prestigious industry awards celebrate industry best practice in association and not-for-profit conferences and events. Despite a 20 per cent rise in entries this year, […]

Skills Development 16 October 2025

CambsB2B South Returns – Bigger, Bolder and Built to Grow Business!

CambsB2B South is back on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at Hinxton Hall, Wellcome Genome Campus, bringing world-class speakers, cutting-edge insights, and unrivalled networking opportunities to the region’s premier business event. Already a highlight of the Cambridgeshire business calendar, this year’s conference and expo will help businesses sell more, build their brand, empower teams, and grow […]

Next Generation 14 October 2025

Families In For A Frightfully Fun Day At Peterborough’s Positively Ghoulish Halloween Trail

Grab the kids for a day of dress-up, tasty treats, and the chance to win family cinema tickets! Families are invited to enjoy a free, spooktacular trick-or-treat trail in the city centre on Saturday 25th October, from 11am until 3pm. Organised by Peterborough Positive, the city’s Business Improvement District, in partnership with Peterborough Museum and […]

HR & Recruitment 10 October 2025

Cambs Bus Operator’s Team Encouraged To Be Dementia Friends

Drivers, Engineers, and Support Teams for Cambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator have been encouraged to get on board a specially dedicated bus and ride into a new understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Stagecoach East’s Wellbeing on Wheels (WoW) Bus has visited deports in Cambridge and Fenstanton, encouraging colleagues to learn more about dementia by becoming […]

HR & Recruitment 9 October 2025

Does paying employers improve workforce health?

David Bharier, Head of Research, British Chambers of Commerce Dr Laura Kudrna, Associate Professor in Health Research Methods, University of Birmingham Sickness absence is becoming a significant burden on UK productivity and employers are under increasing pressure to respond. The first randomised controlled trial of its kind,  funded by the Work and Health Unit and […]

Construction & Property, Skills Development 7 October 2025

Building Skills for Cambridgeshire’s Future

Allison Homes is working with colleges and partners to tackle the skills gap, open new pathways for young people, and support long-term growth in the region. As one of the East of England’s fastest-growing housebuilders, Allison Homes is investing in new communities and the people who will build them. In Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, the company […]

Skills Development 6 October 2025

New BCC Report on Workforce Health Highlights Scale of Challenge in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) warns that the UK’s growing health crisis is holding back economic growth and worsening labour shortages. The Growth Through People: Making Health Work report reveals that almost 2.8 million people, around seven per cent of the UK workforce, are currently out of work due to […]

HR & Recruitment 3 October 2025

Bus Managing Director Urges Passengers To Plan Journeys And Show Patience, Ahead Of Short-noticed Busway Disruptions

Video explains significant disruption to the network Extra resources being brought in at short-notice Plea for understanding for bus drivers The Managing Director for Cambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator has made a heart-felt appeal to passengers to plan their journeys and show patience to bus drivers, after his operation was given just days to prepare for […]

Skills Development 3 October 2025

Business Welcomes Youth Guarantee Ambition

Reacting to the Chancellor’s plans for a Youth Guarantee, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  “Business will welcome the Chancellor’s ambition to get more young people into work. The BCC has been calling for this as a matter of urgency. “A well delivered Youth Guarantee can help tackle the growing youth jobs crisis, prevent a […]

HR & Recruitment 2 October 2025

Price Bailey makes five senior level promotions

Cambridge based Price Bailey announce five senior-level promotions in October, reflecting it’s ongoing commitment to developing talent and strengthening its leadership. The firm has appointed two new directors: Ben Harper in the Business team and Thomas Birch in Marketing. In addition, three senior managers have been promoted: Dan Gammon who provides Corporate Finance services to […]

HR & Recruitment, Uncategorised 2 October 2025

Cambs Bus Operator Celebrates National Customer Service Week By Championing Customers And Colleagues

Cambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator, Stagecoach East has announced its support for National Customer Service Week, taking place from 6-10 October. The company is using this week to celebrate its unwavering commitment to its customers, by putting a spotlight on their valuable feedback and showcasing the outstanding colleagues who make a difference every day. Throughout the […]

Next Generation, Skills Development 2 October 2025

The Voice of Business Takes Centre Stage at Skills Summit

Business leaders, educators and policymakers came together at ARU Peterborough on Friday 26 September for the 2025 Skills Summit, hosted by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The event placed employers at the heart of the skills conversation, highlighting how businesses are working alongside education and training providers […]

Skills Development 1 October 2025

First Intuition launches Exam Plus to tackle cohort inconsistencies caused by age-based funding cuts

Leading accountancy training provider First Intuition has launched a new programme, Exam Plus, to address growing concerns over training inconsistencies caused by the government’s decision to cut Level 7 apprenticeship funding for learners aged 22 and over from January 2026. The change means that learners aged 21 and under will continue to benefit from fully […]

Skills Development 26 September 2025

Long-term Sickness Blighting UK Economy

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says the UK must tackle its status as the sick man of the G7 if it wants to grow the economy. Businesses want to see a major shake-up of the UK’s approach to ill-health which is excluding people from work and hobbling the economy. Around 7 per cent of […]

Next Generation 26 September 2025

Peterborough Cathedral to Host Official Portrait of Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Peterborough Cathedral is delighted to announce that it will be hosting A Portrait by Jamie Coreth: Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, 2022 (oil on canvas). The portrait, generously loaned by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, will be unveiled at a private event on Tuesday, 30th September, following its delivery on 29th September, […]

Next Generation 25 September 2025

Domino Supports Physics At Work Exhibition In Anniversary Year

A Cambridge company has recently participated in an annual three-day event held  at the Cavendish Laboratory to raise awareness of careers open to those studying physics and to encourage the next generation of scientists. Twenty volunteers from Domino – one of the longest supporters of the exhibition –  attended the 40th anniversary of Physics At […]

HR & Recruitment 23 September 2025

We’ve Got You – Cambs bus operator gets positive comments about Drivers

Cambridgeshire bus operator, Stagecoach East, has revealed some of the messages it has received, from local people, to praise its Drivers over the last period. Stagecoach East has received a range of positive comments – one customer said: “Our Driver was welcoming and very courteous to passengers, and professional. He also clearly explained to passengers […]

Next Generation 23 September 2025

Tickets on Sale Now: The Wonder of Christmas at Peterborough Cathedral

This winter, the timeless beauty of Peterborough Cathedral will be transformed into a place of light, story, and celebration. From 19th November to 4th December (on selected evenings), visitors will be invited to follow a guiding star of light across Cathedral Square to the great Norman Arch. Step beneath its ancient stones and into Christmas itself, […]

HR & Recruitment 19 September 2025

Cost Pressures Continue to Hit Labour Market

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ongoing impact of business cost pressures, most notably from the national insurance hike, continues to hit the labour market. “Unemployment remains high and vacancies continue to fall with firms […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 14 August 2025

Chamber Skills Team and CPCA Visit Dragonheart Homes to Explore Skills and Training Opportunities

Yesterday, the Chamber Skills Team, represented by Nick Frank, joined Christopher Christodoulou from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) for a joint visit to Dragonheart Homes. The meeting, hosted by Jason Bassett, Operations Director at Dragonheart Homes, provided an insightful look into the work of Dragonheart, a B Corp certified modular home manufacturer with […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Manufacturing, Next Generation, Skills Development 22 July 2025

Bridging Classrooms and Careers: GPUTC’s Business Partner Day

On Tuesday 15th July, the Chamber’s skills team joined Greater Peterborough UTC’s Business Partner Day, an event that perfectly exemplified their mission to bridge education and industry. With over 80 attendees representing 30+ businesses, the day highlighted how employer engagement is shaping the skills and careers of young people. Curriculum-Linked Learning with Real Impact GPUTC’s […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 14 July 2025

Investing in the Future: How Codem Composites is Driving Innovation Through Apprenticeships

Codem Composites has established itself as a leader in the design and manufacture of carbon fibre components and tooling. Serving a diverse range of sectors including motorsport, aerospace, and satellite communications, the company recognises the critical importance of nurturing talent from the very start of their careers. Apprentices have become a cornerstone of Codem Composites’ […]

Business Growth & Development, Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 11 July 2025

From Crossroads to Careers: How Apprenticeships Build Futures in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

A Personal Path to Professional Passion Apprenticeships can shape careers, open unexpected doors, and provide a solid foundation for lifelong success. For James Whybrow, Group Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Inspire Education Group (IEG), that journey began over 25 years ago when he started as an apprentice himself. “Fresh out of college, I […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 8 July 2025

A Closer Look at June’s LSIP Roundtable: Insights from CambsB2B North

At last month’s CambsB2B North, one of the most valuable sessions took place quietly around a table – a focused, off-stage roundtable on the future of skills in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Convened as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the discussion brought together policymakers, educators, and employers to explore how the local skills […]

Business Growth & Development, Next Generation 4 July 2025

Stagecoach East Gets Ready To Help Young People Travel To University Open Days

Bus operator proud to transport young people around the city Responsibility to make things easy for customers Services may be busier than usual on Open Days, so plan accordingly Stagecoach East is getting set to help young people get to the Cambridge University Open Days on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 July. Young people and […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 2 July 2025

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Shares LSIP Annual Progress Report

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce is proud to publish the 2025 Annual Progress Report for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). This is our second yearly update on how employers, educators, and regional partners are tackling skills gaps and supporting sustainable growth. Key achievements from the 2025 report include: Over £2.5 million invested […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 17 June 2025

More Employers Back Apprenticeships than Graduates as Demand for School Leavers Rises Across England

New data from First Intuition reveals a shift in how UK accountancy employers are building their talent pipeline. Apprenticeships are the preferred route into accountancy for UK employers, as revealed in the National Accountancy Salary Guide 2025 published by leading training provider First Intuition. The new data shows 70% of employers actively pursue apprenticeship programmes, […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 30 May 2025

Building Skills: Government Announces New Apprenticeships Amid Wider Funding Questions

The Government has announced new investments in skills training, targeting key sectors such as construction and health & social care, which are vital to the region’s economy and communities. The plan includes a £3 billion increase in apprenticeship funding, 13 new adult training courses in construction trades including bricklaying and plumbing, and a £50 million […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 28 April 2025

Cambridgeshire Chamber Responds to Youth Unemployment Crisis with Local Action

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has issued a stark warning about a “lost generation” of young people, following the publication of its latest report, Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z. The report reveals that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET), a figure […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 28 April 2025

Business Seek Action On Lost Generation

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is warning of a lost generation unless the Government urgently tackles the jobs crisis among young people. It says immediate action is needed to remove barriers preventing almost a million people in Generation Z from engaging with work, education and contributing to society. Among the recommendations in a new […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 24 April 2025

Local Skills Improvement Plan Highlights Employer Role in Opening Doors for Young People

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s LSIP reflects a growing focus on bridging the gap between education and employment. As employers across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough continue to navigate skills shortages and evolving workforce needs, the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is capturing a strong message: businesses want to do more to support young people into work but […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 15 April 2025

The Green Skills Gap: An Urgent Challenge for the Region’s Workforce

The UK’s green skills gap is widening, with recent investigations revealing that a significant portion of the British workforce lacks the necessary skills to meet the growing demand for sustainability-related roles. A report published in Aesthetic Medicine (March 2025) indicates that, despite the increasing requirement for green skills, the number of workers trained to meet […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 14 April 2025

New Science and Animal Care Facilities Open at College of West Anglia’s Cambridge Campus

The College of West Anglia (CWA) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Darwin Building at its Cambridge campus. This is a milestone moment for science and animal care education in the region. Welcoming guests to the official opening, Kerry Heathcote, Deputy CEO and Vice Principal of Quality and Curriculum, introduced the new space before Dr […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 9 April 2025

Huntingdonshire Business Forum: Watch the highlights from our recent event

On 6 March, business leaders and educators came together at Cambridge Regional College, Huntingdon Campus, for the Huntingdonshire Business Forum – supported by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). At the heart of the event was a powerful keynote from Michael Moriarty, Employee Services Director at Mick George Ltd, who has led innovative workforce inclusion […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 9 April 2025

Why Enterprise Education Belongs in Every College Curriculum

A growing number of young people are keen to start their own business, but without enterprise education embedded in college and school curriculums that ambition may never translate into action. A recent article in FE Week highlighted that while 60 per cent of young people are interested in entrepreneurship, just 16 per cent actually go […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 21 March 2025

Youth Guarantee Programme Board Appoints New Chair to Tackle Rising Youth Unemployment

Laura-Jane (LJ) Rawlings MBE DL has been appointed Chair of the Youth Guarantee Programme Board. Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK, brings over 15 years of leadership experience in shaping youth employment policy. Having founded the organisation in 2012, she has since become a leading national voice on youth employment, advising the UK Government and […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development, Uncategorised 18 March 2025

Powering Peterborough: A First Look Inside the Centre for Green Technology at the Peterborough Business Forum

On 26 March, in a landmark event set to redefine skills development in the region, business leaders, educators, and industry experts will gather at Peterborough College for the Peterborough Business Forum. Hosted by the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, this event will provide an exclusive sneak peek inside the state-of-the-art Centre for Green Technology, a cutting-edge […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 6 March 2025

MP Andrew Pakes engages with local employers and apprentices to champion apprenticeship growth

Local employers and apprentices gathered last Friday for a roundtable discussion with Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Co-Chair of the Apprenticeships APPG, to discuss how to increase apprenticeship opportunities in the Peterborough region. Hosted by leading accountancy training provider First Intuition, the event highlighted the crucial role that accountancy apprenticeships play in supporting economic […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 28 February 2025

Youth Unemployment Hits Decade-High – What’s Next For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough?

Youth unemployment in the UK has surged to its highest level in more than a decade, with fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that 987,000 people aged 16-24 were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between October and December 2024. The figure represents 13.4% of this age group, marking an […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 27 February 2025

Connecting with the Future: Huntingdonshire Business Forum to Tackle Workforce Challenges

On 6 March, business leaders, educators, and training providers will gather at Cambridge Regional College, Huntingdon Campus, for Connecting with the Future: Huntingdonshire Business Forum—an event focused on addressing workforce challenges and shaping the future of employment in Cambridgeshire. Supported by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the forum will explore practical strategies for workforce […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 19 February 2025

Making Digital Work for You: Watch Our Exclusive Event Video!

The digital revolution is reshaping businesses across all industries, making digital skills more crucial than ever. That’s why, on 16 January, we brought together business leaders, digital experts, and industry professionals for Making Digital Work for You, a high-impact event hosted by the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and supported by the Local Skills Improvement Plan […]

Local Skills Improvement Plan, Skills Development 11 February 2025

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Why Skills for Life Matter More Than Ever

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2025 is already in full swing, highlighting the critical role apprenticeships play in building a future-ready workforce. This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’, emphasising the long-term value of vocational training and its power to address skills gaps across industries. In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) aims […]