BUSINESSES and organisations in the Forth Valley could benefit from skills insight and potential funding for training at upcoming roadshow events.

The Skills for Business Roadshow by the Open University, which was due to be held in Stirling on Thursday, has been rescheduled for Friday, April 21, in Falkirk.

With staff retention and access to a skilled workforce a priority business challenge facing employers today, the roadshow is set to offer practical solutions and tailored advice to help organisations upskill their team, leading to improved output, profitability and growth.

David Allen, senior partnerships manager at the Open University in Scotland, said: “We look forward to welcoming employers and businesses across the Forth Valley region to our event in Falkirk and sharing with you the incredible opportunities available to help your organisation thrive. 

“We can also share with you the funding opportunities you could draw on to develop skills to support your business grow, supporting you and your employees. 

“We can sign you up on the day to allow you to benefit from this opportunity.” 

The event have been developed in partnership with Alloa First BID as well as regional counterparts Go Firth Stirling and Falkirk Delivers to provide an informative session, giving employers the opportunity to gain valuable insight and learn about the training offered by the Open University.

The university can provide training up to the value of £5,000 for SMEs through the Scottish Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund.

Larger employers in the private, public and third sectors can also tap into training up to the value of £15,000.

The informal but informative session will also share essential insights and skills-related trends from the recent Open University Scotland Business Barometer Report, produced in association with the British Chamber of Commerce.

Lynn Harris, of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, added: “We’re delighted to partner with the OU to provide this informative roadshow to the employers and businesses in our area.

“Access to the funding and grants will be invaluable and help with decreasing the skills gaps we are seeing more of now post-Covid and Brexit.”

The roadshow will visit Falkirk Stadium on Friday, April 21, from 9am to 11am.

Visit bit.ly/3GLzJ3Hto book a place.