< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net with older generations (67% of over-65s) favouring apprenticeships over university for their children, while younger parents (53% of those aged 25-34) preferred the university route. One of the sectors where apprenticeships are particularly beneficial is the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. As the UK moves towards its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for workers with expertise in renewable energy has skyrocketed. In Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the renewables sector has seen a surge in apprenticeship opportunities, with companies seeking skilled apprentices to help meet the rising demand for green technologies. They are partnering with educational institutions to offer apprenticeship programmes that provide practical experience, ensuring that the next generation of workers is equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving industry. Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, is offering a unique apprenticeship opportunity with its expanded 2025 Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship Programme in Grimsby. This four-year programme combines classroom learning and hands-on offshore experience, giving apprentices the chance to gain technical skills while contributing to the UK’s renewable energy transition. The rise of apprenticeships is also a response to the growing skills gap in industries like manufacturing and engineering. Many businesses in the region are turning to apprenticeships as a way to build a workforce with the specific skills needed to keep pace with technological advancements. Apprenticeships offer a tailored, hands- on approach to learning, where young people can gain practical experience while working towards a recognised qualification. This model helps businesses fill critical roles with workers who are trained to meet their unique needs, providing them with a long-term solution to workforce development. For young people, apprenticeships offer the chance to earn a wage while continuing their education, making them an appealing alternative to traditional higher education. Rather than taking on student debt, apprenticeships allow individuals to gain qualifications and develop skills directly related to their chosen industry. The apprenticeship model provides the perfect balance of education and hands-on learning. For many, apprenticeships offer a clear path to long-term career progression, with the possibility of securing a permanent position with the company that trained them. In addition to the Levy, universities and colleges are playing a vital role in supporting apprenticeship growth. For example, the University of Leeds has launched a £1 million levy transfer project to help small and medium-sized businesses in the region access fully funded apprenticeship training. This initiative targets sectors like health, engineering, and digital industries, offering funding to businesses that don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy. The University’s approach is focused on www.blmforum.net Business Link 21 APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING widening participation in higher education, particularly for individuals from low-income backgrounds or underrepresented groups, while providing valuable skills that contribute to local economic growth. With an impressive completion rate of 84.2%, the University’s apprenticeship programmes are setting a high standard, ensuring apprentices gain practical experience and career prospects in industries with rising demand. As apprenticeship programmes continue to evolve, it’s clear that they will play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future workforce. Government support, strong demand from industry, and a growing emphasis on vocational qualifications are all driving apprenticeships to the forefront of the UK’s education and employment landscape. Businesses that invest in apprenticeships are not only addressing immediate skills gaps but are also contributing to long-term growth, building a skilled workforce that will help drive the UK’s economy forward. Skipton training company celebrates 35 years in business Leading food industry training provider Verner Wheelock Associates (VWA) celebrates 35 years in business this year. Founded in 1990, the company lists many household names as longstanding clients and offers training at all levels in HACCP, auditing, and food safety, together with several specialist courses. It is VWA’s innovation and insight into market trends that have secured its success over the years. MD and owner Alison Wheelock states, “We aim to provide the type of training our customers want by listening to them and keeping ourselves informed about developments in the food industry.” New courses this year cover Crisis Management and Sustainability in the Food Industry, for example. VWA’s trainers also have extensive food industry experience, which means key learning points are relatable through real-life examples. With flexible attendance options such as face-to-face, remote, or in-house training, excellent exam results, and a string of awards, it’s clear to see why VWA is here to stay. For more information visit www.vwa.co.uk Training the Food Industry Since 199022 Business Link www.blmforum.net DESIGN AND MARKETINGwww.blmforum.net Business Link 23 DESIGN AND MARKETING I n an age where consumers are bombarded with countless messages daily, businesses must stand out with smart, innovative marketing strategies. As customer loyalty becomes harder to secure, creative design and marketing are more important than ever. Companies in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are increasingly adopting fresh approaches to their marketing campaigns, helping them differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. This shift presents businesses with exciting opportunities to create memorable, engaging campaigns that not only attract customers but foster loyalty and long-term relationships. At the heart of a successful marketing strategy lies the power of design. Whether through branding, digital design, or user experience (UX), the visual identity of a company plays a crucial role in how consumers perceive and connect with it. Effective design goes beyond aesthetics—it creates an experience that resonates deeply with customers. As digital platforms continue to evolve, businesses in the region are utilising striking visuals and innovative design to build strong emotional connections that last well beyond the initial encounter. A memorable visual identity builds trust, fosters recognition, and ultimately, drives loyalty. One creative example of marketing in the region is Yorkshire Tea’s ad, featuring a fun “brewdunnit” mystery plot. The brand’s latest ad recruits Sarah Lancashire CBE, known for her role in Happy Valley, to solve a crime involving missing biscuits at Yorkshire Tea HQ. This clever and engaging narrative builds on the success of their previous campaigns, further solidifying the brand’s strong identity and deep connection with its customers. By blending humor, storytelling, and its iconic Yorkshire authenticity, the campaign has created a lasting impression while reinforcing the brand’s voice. Another excellent example of creative marketing is LNER’s (London North Eastern Railway) recent campaign promoting its eco-friendly travel options between Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and London. The train service partnered with a local creative agency to produce a series of ads that focused on the environmental benefits of choosing rail Innovation in design and marketing In a competitive market, businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are using innovative design and data-driven strategies to captivate audiences. From engaging ad campaigns to sustainability messaging, companies are finding new ways to stand out and build lasting customer relationships. 24 Á24 Business Link www.blmforum.net DESIGN AND MARKETING over car travel. By using captivating imagery of scenic routes across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the campaign emphasises not only the ease and comfort of rail travel but also its role in reducing carbon footprints. The campaign’s effectiveness has been demonstrated through a significant increase in ticket sales and engagement with their digital platforms, proving that sustainability messaging resonates well with today’s environmentally-conscious consumers. As customer expectations continue to evolve, businesses in the region are increasingly turning to data-driven marketing strategies to stay ahead. With the explosion of digital marketing channels, consumer data has become a powerful tool. By analysing purchasing behaviour, preferences, and engagement patterns, businesses are creating highly targeted, personalised marketing campaigns. Social media remains one of the most effective ways for businesses to engage with their customers, and short-form video content continues to rise in popularity. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories have become integral to marketing strategies, offering businesses the chance to showcase their products and services in creative, engaging formats. Innovation is at the core of marketing in the region, with businesses embracing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) which is transforming how companies interact with their customers, allowing for more personalised and predictive marketing strategies. AI-driven tools are enabling businesses to analyse vast amounts of consumer data, offering insights into customer preferences, browsing behaviours, and purchasing habits. This data is then used to tailor marketing messages, recommend products, and create highly targeted campaigns that resonate with individual customers. For example, AI algorithms are optimising digital ads by learning which content performs best with specific demographics, ensuring that marketing efforts are both cost-effective and impactful. Furthermore, businesses are increasingly integrating AI with other technologies like AR to create more immersive and interactive experiences. For example, AI is helping power AR features in e-commerce apps, allowing customers to virtually try on clothing, test out makeup, or visualise furniture in their homes before making a purchase. This combination of AI and AR enhances the online shopping experience by providing instant feedback and helping consumers make more informed decisions, ultimately driving higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are home to many businesses embracing these creative approaches to design and marketing, positioning the region as a hub for innovation. Companies are finding new ways to engage customers, whether through bold, memorable campaigns, personalised experiences, or the integration of emerging technologies.Whether it’s banner ads, headers, newsletters, podcasts or print campaigns from as little as £60 a month, please contact Angie Cooper T: 01472 310310 • E: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk www.blmforum.net26 Business Link www.blmforum.net IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Driving IT and telecoms growth With initiatives like the £58 million broadband upgrade in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire and the expansion of 5G networks, the region is rapidly improving its digital infrastructure. These advancements are enabling businesses to harness new technologies, bridge the digital divide, and drive growth in an increasingly competitive market.www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS I n today’s fast-paced, technology- driven world, access to high-quality IT and telecoms infrastructure has never been more critical. While many urban areas across the UK have seen a continual stream of improvements in broadband and mobile networks, businesses in rural areas still face significant challenges in achieving the connectivity needed to stay competitive. This gap between urban and rural infrastructure is especially noticeable in the North. However, with new initiatives and a growing focus on digital transformation, there is hope on the horizon. As the region invests in improving connectivity, businesses are starting to see the transformative benefits of faster, more reliable internet and modern telecom solutions. For businesses, having fast and reliable internet connections can significantly enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction. However, many small and medium-sized businesses still face challenges when it comes to securing the connectivity they need. Rural areas, in particular, have been left behind as digital infrastructure improvements have primarily focused on urban centres, meaning that many businesses have been forced to rely on slow and unreliable connections. The advent of fibre-optic broadband and the expansion of 5G networks are beginning to level the playing field, allowing businesses to access faster, more reliable connections. One of the most exciting developments for businesses in rural areas is the introduction of superfast fibre broadband. With higher bandwidths and faster speeds, fibre- optic networks are able to provide the kind of connectivity that businesses in urban areas have long enjoyed. Through government-backed initiatives such as 28 Á28 Business Link www.blmforum.net IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, businesses can now access funding to install high-speed broadband, overcoming the barriers of slow speeds and poor connectivity. This initiative is part of the government’s broader push to expand broadband availability across the country, ensuring that no business is left behind due to inadequate infrastructure. In addition to fibre broadband, the expansion of 5G networks is set to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity in the region. Plans are underway to build a 17.5-metre-high 5G mobile phone mast on Harrogate Road in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. This installation aims to boost 5G coverage in the city, addressing the growing demand for internet bandwidth and mobile data from local businesses and residents. The proposed mast, which includes six antennas and a transmission dish, is designed to enhance mobile connectivity and support the increasing reliance on digital services. This development highlights the region’s commitment to modernising its telecoms infrastructure and meeting the connectivity needs of its communities. In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity, a £58 million contract was awarded under the government’s national Project Gigabit rollout to deliver full fibre connections to approximately 34,000 rural homes and businesses in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire. Full fibre is capable of delivering speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, enabling households to download a high- definition film in under one minute and allowing multiple devices to stream and download simultaneously without interruption. The upgrades will not only improve daily life for residents but also foster economic growth by making it easier to set up and run businesses in these communities. This project is part of a broader £453 million commitment to deliver next-generation broadband to around 236,000 hard-to-reach homes www.blmforum.net Business Link 29 IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS and businesses across England. 5G will also allow businesses to harness new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), which are becoming more commonplace in the world of business. AR, for instance, can be used to create immersive customer experiences or to assist in the training of employees through real-time, interactive demonstrations. AI can help businesses process vast amounts of data quickly, providing insights into customer behaviours, market trends, and operational efficiencies. These technologies will enable businesses to innovate and create competitive advantages. At the same time, the region is working to address the skills gap that often holds back digital adoption. While technological advancements are transforming industries, there is a growing need for skilled workers who can operate and maintain these systems. The government and local authorities are investing in training programmes and apprenticeships to help fill this gap and ensure that businesses have access to the talent they need to drive their growth. Universities, technical colleges, and industry partnerships are working together to provide the skills necessary for a modern, digitally-savvy workforce. As digital infrastructure continues to improve across the region, companies are also recognising the importance of stronger cybersecurity measures. With more businesses relying on online services and digital tools, the risk of cyber threats becomes more pressing. To counteract this, businesses are investing in secure networks, data protection, and compliance measures to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats. Partnering with IT security experts and telecoms providers is becoming essential for businesses, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape securely. Next >