THE TOWN’S leaders joined forces with local businesses at the Abbey Hotel on Friday (January 22) to discuss how the younger generations can help ‘Improve Redditch’.
The brainchild of Redditch Borough Council leader, Councillor Bill Hartnett, the seminar saw professors from the University of Birmingham share insights on the benefits of working alongside graduates and apprenticeships.
Also presenting were Emily Lelelu, business development manager at Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW), and Nitin Sodha of Lexon – who built Knights Pharmacy chain from a portakabin in Crabbs Cross, where he employed two part-time students.
With the help of his brothers and nephew, Mr Sodha grew the firm into Lexon (UK), one of the leading pharmaceuticals distribution companies in the country.
Lexon now employs more than 800 people, about half of which live in Redditch and Bromsgrove.
During the two-hour meeting, Mr Sodha said he was ‘humbled and privileged’ to be invited and shared with business leaders how a focus on education is ‘fundamental’.
“Redditch is a safe, peaceful and harmonious society,” he added. “But we can be more progressive in all areas.”
Coun Hartnett called the event, which saw 20 business leaders attend, a ‘game changer’ for Redditch.
“The economic themes we have for the town are enterprise, vibrant, confident and skilled,” he said. “We all want the town to succeed – that’s why we are here, we are all very passionate about Redditch.”
Representatives from both the University of Birmingham and HoW offered their services to the town’s business leaders, pledging to lend their support in finding suitable apprentices and graduates suitable.
Redditch MP Karen Lumley said the event highlighted how, by working together, industry can boost innovation and productivity to help stimulate business growth in Redditch, thus creating a higher wage economy.
“The guest speakers were excellent as they were able to share case studies and highlight the various ways expertise can be accessed as well as explaining the support mechanisms available,” she added.
