A new survey due to be released this Autumn is set to help the West of England region to get to grips on its digital facilities – better understanding the region’s connectivity, as well as any underlying skill gaps.
The West of England Combined Authority Mayor Tim Bowles (pictured above) announced the survey in the hopes that its results will benefit both residents and local businesses.
“As well as supporting businesses, digital connectivity is also vital to opening up wider skills and employment opportunities to residents”
He says: “Digital access, including high-speed broadband, is essential to our future economic success as a region.
“The West of England is a leader in innovation, high tech and creativity. We have successful businesses and high-value jobs, and we’re a net contributor to the national purse – but connectivity remains a challenge in some parts of our region.
“We need high-speed, high-quality digital networks to support our businesses, from startups to global players, to ensure they can continue to compete nationally and internationally.
“As well as supporting businesses, digital connectivity is also vital to opening up wider skills and employment opportunities to residents.”
Closing the skills gap
There has been much talk about the digital and tech skills gap across the UK in the past few years. And with Bristol and Bath’s ever expanding tech cluster, the problem of recruiting talent is only going to become more problematic if not addressed soon.
As Tim comments: “We have to do more to promote the fantastic career opportunities in technology to school-age children, young adults, and also people who may be looking for a career change.”
With the study also aiming to understand where gaps in provision of these skills sit in the West of England, its hoped that this will be the start to making important specific changes, as outlined in this July’s regional strategy.
Tim explains: “The draft strategy is out for consultation and feedback will used to inform the West of England Combined Authority’s more detailed plans, priorities and funding decisions. However in developing the strategy, it became evident that digital connectivity is key to everything we do, and is something we need to start work on quickly.”
