East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the wider Chamber Network have launched a new campaign to celebrate, support and develop the most important part of any business – its people.

Chambers will be working with Government, academics, business communities and employees, to make the UK a more productive, attractive and modern place to work. At a time of critical levels of skills shortages, weak productivity and increasing changes in the way people work, the Chamber Network is launching a campaign to address these crucial issues.

Chamber research shows that around three-quarters of UK firms trying to recruit are having difficulties finding the right person for the role, with some positions sitting empty for as long as six months. At the same time, many employers are thinking about the kinds of skills they’ll need in their teams in the future.

Skills shortages put a brake on business competitiveness, growth opportunities and productivity so addressing the issue is crucial.

The campaign said investing in talent will not only benefit people but local business communities and the wider economy.

The campaign will have three key chapters:

· Shaping policy through the work of a new Workplace Training and Development Commission

· Showcasing the range of diverse career paths on offer in towns and cities across the UK through Business Showcase Days
· Championing a flexible working culture by encouraging firms to adapt their working practices in order to attract new and diverse talent

Chris Hobson, director of policy at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “At the heart of every great business is great people. Finding, retaining and training talent is a core issue for firms of all sizes and sectors. Chambers understand how important it is for businesses to have access to a flexible and skilled talent pool, so getting the training and development system right in this country is absolutely crucial.

“The Chamber Network is made up of a diverse and innovative collection of local businesses, and there are so many great career opportunities across the East Midlands. This campaign is all about bringing together business, Government and employees to ensure local and national economies are attractive and productive places to work.”