You can fill out the survey here.

Without credible, local evidence, the North West cannot argue effectively for the skills provision its economy requires.

The North West economy is changing. Businesses are investing in automation, digital systems, advanced manufacturing, green technologies and professional services. At the same time, employers consistently report difficulties recruiting and retaining appropriately skilled staff. Yet too often, policy responses are shaped by regional or national averages that fail to reflect the specific realities of our local labour market.

The purpose of the North West Skills & Workforce Survey is to generate a credible, employer-led evidence base that reflects conditions on the ground across the North West region.

Why a Survey Is Necessary:

  1. To Strengthen Lobbying Power
    Engagement with departments, agencies and education providers carries weight only when backed by data. Evidence on Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), apprenticeship uptake, AI adoption, training investment and skills gaps allows the Chamber to advocate with precision.
  2. To Align Provision with Business Need
    Further and higher education institutions require clear demand signals from employers. Without structured feedback, mismatches persist between course provision and real-world workforce requirements.
  3. To Inform Funding and Investment Decisions
    Skills funding, innovation programmes and workforce interventions are increasingly competitive. Regions that can demonstrate quantified employer demand are better positioned to secure support.
  4. To Support University and College Expansion
    As discussions continue around university growth and further education provision in the North West, employer insight is essential to ensure expansion aligns with sectoral demand.

Why Members Should Participate

This survey is not an academic exercise. It is designed to inform practical outcomes:

  • Shaping lobbying priorities with stakeholders
  • Identifying gaps in AI capability and digital adoption
  • Directing future Chamber programmes and partnerships

If employers do not articulate their needs, decisions will be made using incomplete information.

Completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The return on that time is a stronger, evidence-based case for the workforce and economic development priorities that matter to your business. The results will be shared on all our networks once they are compiled.

Takeaway: Evidence drives policy. Participation ensures the North West speaks with authority on skills, rather than relying on assumption.

You can fill out the survey here.