Businesses Explore Leadership, Skills and Growth Opportunities at Skills 2 Propel Breakfast Event

Local employers, training providers and support organisations came together for the recent Skills 2 Propel Business Breakfast, hosted by the Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership (LMP).

This year’s theme was “Building Stronger Leaders, Building Stronger Businesses”. The event focused on helping organisations develop leadership skills, strengthen their workforce and support sustainable business growth across the borough.

Deputy Mayor Alderman Sandra Hunter welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of investing in people and leadership to address evolving workforce challenges and create a stronger local economy. She praised the collaborative efforts between employers, education providers and public sector partners in helping to create a stronger local economy.

Speaking on behalf of the Labour Market Partnership, Marc McGerty emphasised the value of leadership development in driving business success and supporting employee growth. He said:  "The businesses that thrive in the future will be those that invest in their people, empower their teams and create opportunities for continuous development”.

Employers also heard first-hand experiences from Kelly Croskery, Operations Manager at Platinum Care and Support, and Declan Hassan, Director at Moore NI, who shared how investing in staff development through apprenticeships and undertaking job crafting has improved engagement, retention and organisational performance within their businesses.

The event also featured presentations from Catherine McGuigan, Head of Leadership and Capability Development at Invest NI, and Katie Deveney from the Department for the Economy Apprenticeship Branch, who provided information on available programmes, mentoring support, apprenticeships and funding opportunities available to help businesses build future-ready workforces.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for Council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.