23 December 2008

31st January Deadline for Skills Funding Bids

Cheshire Employer & Skills Development (CESD) is seeking bids for funding to support skills development or employment related activities within Cheshire and Warrington.

The fund, totalling £2 million, is for activities which cannot be funded by any existing public funding streams, but projects may enhance or “add value” to public funds.

CESD are particularly interested in receiving applications focused on:

• Exciting, creative, innovative and different ideas which will have a major positive impact on the economy of Cheshire and Warrington.
• Improving the skills and employment base of Cheshire and Warrington.
• Increasing and improving the sharing of good practice or resources on skills development.
• Encouraging the pooling of resources and networking on training and development, particularly among smaller businesses.
• Ideas which will stimulate the demand for skills in Cheshire and Warrington.

Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) is acting as a facilitator for the funding, helping to promote and raise awareness of its existence and receiving initial applications.  CWEA will not, however, be assessing project submissions or allocating funds to successful bids. All decisions relating to the fund will be made by CESD and its board of trustees, who wish to remain anonymous.

A spokesperson for CESD commented ”We are looking forward to receiving some high quality creative bids from Cheshire and Warrington businesses which will positively impact on skills levels in this area. Bids from groups of employers will be particularly welcome.”

CWEA’s Chief Executive Martin Lee  said ”This is a unique and exciting opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington businesses to gain support for ideas which will help improve the skills base of both their own company, and that of the sub-region. In the changing economic climate, effective investment by employers in the skills of their workforce is critical to business success.”

Further details, including how to apply, are available on CWEA’s website at www.cwea.org.uk/cesd.

- Ends -

For further information contact:
Tina Johnston, External Relations Manager
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
Tel: 01606 734187; Email: Tina.Johnston@cwea.org.uk

NOTES:

CWEA
Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance brings together leaders and influencers from both the public and private sector to work in partnership on a wide range of economic development issues in the sub -region to ensure a dynamic, high quality environment for both business and residents. www.cwea.org.uk.

CESD
CESD is an organisation managed by a board of trustees from independent private sector organisations whose aim is to develop and provide training, independent advisory, consultative, educational and other support services and advice to and for employers, individuals and those who are disadvantaged or disabled in the workplace. www.cwea.org.uk/cesd