Release date: 19^th July 2016

Digital skills back on the agenda for Coventry businesses

The most recent director to be appointed to the board of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has pledged to put digital skills back on the agenda for the local business community. 

In a move to ensure Coventry and Warwickshire businesses are equipped with the digital skills they need for growth, Sarah Windrum, CEO of Warwickshire technology company, The Emerald Group, has been appointed as a private sector Board Director at CWLEP.

This is in addition to her existing role as vice chair of the Skills Board at Tech UK, the national industry body for the technology sector, and comes following a report released earlier this year by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, which found significant value can be added to the UK economy through stronger investment in digital skills in terms of both job creation and productivity.

The report also highlighted the critical role of employers, the education sector and local government in delivering solutions that address the digital skills gap in the UK. And it is this collaborative approach which saw Sarah recently visit Essex, an area renowned for its employment and skills best practice, gaining insight she is keen to bring back to businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire. 

Speaking about her new appointment, Sarah Windrum commented: “As part of my role with the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, I am keen to explore the ways we can work with the local business community, education, and local government, ensuring that we all put digital skills high on our agenda.

“The skills gap is an ongoing challenge that affects almost all businesses in one way or another. It is crucial we work together to develop a strategy which champions digital technology and its role in developing successful businesses. I believe this collaborative approach needs to extend beyond the boundaries of our local area too, working with other LEPs, business communities, education facilities, and national bodies to develop a strong digital strategy that empowers businesses” Sarah Windrum concluded.

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About The Emerald Group

Pictured: Sarah Windrum and Jonathan Browning, Chairman of the CW LEP. 

The Emerald Group of companies is the ideal partner to SMEs in the UK and overseas. Split into three individual divisions, the business specialises in mobile communications and strategy, IT Managed Services, and IT Project Management, working with over 250 businesses. 

The business is passionate about helping SMEs utilise technology to boost productivity and efficiency, and provides a thorough pro-active monitoring and cost management service to ensure IT continuity that remains within budget for its customers. 

For further information, please contact:-

Editorial – Sarah Windrum on 01926 452 462 or email sarah.windrum@emeraldcomms.co.uk, or John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025, or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk.