02 Mar Investing in skills will support West London recovery

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, joined delegates virtually at the Capital West London Growth Summit on 2 March and delivered the message that “skills, skills, skills” should be the main focus for recovery.

Mr Agrawal discussed the impact the recent pandemic has had on the London economy, particularly with the tourism industry, and highlighted the investment campaign by the Mayor of London that will build on a £6 billion investment in London’s biggest ever domestic tourism campaign, with an additional £10 million funding for tourism promotion, locally and internationally.

He noted it was also important for London, and particularly West London, to help to upskill and reskill its population. “Investment in our future skills is crucial to London’s recovery. In January, the Mayor announced his £44 million academies programme to improve the quality of training in the capital and enable anyone who’s over 19 and unemployed, or in low-income work, to access training courses for free at local colleges.

“Academy Hubs have been set up across London to address the skills gaps in the green economy, creative industries, digital health and hospitality sectors. OPDC has also launched The Forge, an employment and skills hub, which works with most London businesses to find good quality jobs and skills opportunities for young people.”

Infrastructure would also play a vital role and Mr Agrawal highlighted the enhanced connectivity to the region through HS2 and Crossrail, which would support growth, and also referenced the importance of the West London Orbital for future plans “The Mayor recognises the opportunity presented by the West London Orbital project to connect London and support sustainable local growth and TfL will continue to do all it can to support the project.”

To close his speech Mr Agrawal reiterated the importance of skills: “I say three words – skills, skills, skills. I think businesses are facing huge shortages, not just of skills, but also of labour. West London particularly is full of potential talent, if you focus on upskilling and reskilling a workforce, that will be of tremendous help, and it will prepare our economy not just for the jobs that we are facing sharp shortages now but also those of the future.”