Bringing together business, education and students

As Tim Sorensen reports in his annual summary, the Eastbourne EBP has continued to play a leading role in the all-important relationship between education, both teachers and students, and the business community of Eastbourne and district. High profile and familiar events spearhead the awareness factor for the EBP, but this year has also been one of strategic review for future prosperity and employment.

The difficult economic circumstances now faced by businesses and employees has been a challenging context to the review, but also a motivation to ensure that Eastbourne is well prepared for the future upturn in financial and employment fortunes. The strategic dimension of the EBP has been strengthened by discussions with both education and business leaders during recent months.

In my role as Chair, and as a Director of the Chamber of Commerce, I am in a good position to judge the extent of the value placed on the EBP by the business as well as the educational community and the Borough Council. As Chamber Portfolio Leader for Workforce Development, I am also aware that the future workforce needs for the 21st century must be assessed and become a joint strategy for those in education and in business, ensuring that there is a successful and planned programme of skills and qualifications development, for the benefit of the whole community.