Businesses can get involved

Businesses can play a vital role in improving Lambeth and helping the local economy to grow.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area within which the businesses agree to invest money to enhance the local environment (usually a town centre). Money is collected by an independent company, set up and owned by the local business community and is spent on providing services identified by local businesses. Vauxhall and Waterloo have already set up BIDs and the Streatham Business Board has already agreed to work towards balloting businesses on a BID in their area.

Apprenticeships are good for business - they bring productive, enthusiastic and loyal people into your organisation and demonstrate your commitment to investing in young people to your customers and suppliers. Apprenticeships are a real opportunity to offer entry level jobs in order to continue the development of an effective workforce.

According to the National Apprenticeship Service in a 2011 report, 80% of employers agree apprentices make their workplace more productive; 88% of employers believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce; and 83% of employers rely on apprenticeships to provide the skilled workers they need for the future.

In order to maximise the take up of apprenticeships in the Borough and better coordinate partner activity we will be appointing an Apprenticeship Coordinator this summer who will act a bridge between, local unemployed people, employers and training providers. The Apprenticeship Coordinator will work closely with partners and employers in order to deliver a significant increase in the number of apprentices in the Borough. If you're interested in taking on an apprentice please contact Vicky Ratcliffe at vratcliffe@lambeth.gov.uk