Visit brings together business leaders to discuss Derby’s industrial potential, future skills requirements and the importance of developing local talent.
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group has welcomed local MP Baggy Shanker to its Derby offices for a visit and discussion with the company’s leadership team, exploring the opportunities facing the region, alongside the importance of skills development and local employment.
Baggy met with Sam Ford, Chief Operations Officer; Daniel Taylor, Chief Growth Officer; and Michael Widera, Head of Talent Solutions, to discuss the Group’s growth, its contribution to the regional economy and the challenges and opportunities facing employers as industries continue to evolve.
As a growing Derby-based business, Ford & Stanley shared its journey, its investment in people and the role it plays in supporting organisations with their talent acquisition and wider talent requirements. The conversation also explored the importance of creating local employment opportunities and providing clear routes for individuals to develop and progress throughout their careers.
Sam Ford, Chief Operations Officer at Ford & Stanley, commented:
“Derby has a proud railway heritage, and the establishment of Great British Railways presents a fantastic opportunity to build on that legacy and strengthen the city’s position at the heart of the UK rail industry.
I’m particularly pleased that the headquarters will be located in the heart of Derby. Bringing a major national organisation into the city centre has the potential to deliver genuine economic benefits, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the wider regeneration of the city. It’s important that the benefits of GBR’s arrival are felt not just across the rail industry, but by the people and businesses of Derby itself.”
Sam continues, “As a Derby-based business supporting rail organisations across the UK, we also recognise that the industry’s future success will depend on more than investment in infrastructure and technology. It will depend on having the people, skills and expertise to deliver it. We want Ford & Stanley to play an active role in that future, developing talent, creating opportunities and supporting the long-term growth of the UK rail industry.”
The discussion also explored the importance of supporting the next generation of businesses and talent, ensuring that young people have access to the skills, experience and opportunities needed to build successful careers. From apprenticeships and early-career pathways to developing future leaders, collaboration between businesses, government and education providers will be essential in building the capability and confidence needed to support the region’s long-term growth.
Michael Widera, Head of Talent Solutions at Ford & Stanley, said:
“It was valuable to have Baggy visit and discuss the skills and talent challenges facing businesses across the region. As industries such as rail and engineering continue to evolve, we need to think about how we attract, develop and retain the people who will support that growth. Building stronger connections between employers, education providers and government will be an important part of that.”
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the region’s future and reinforce the importance of continued engagement between local businesses and their elected representatives as Derby looks to build on its industrial strengths and attract future investment.
For more information visit: www.fordandstanley.com.