Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) | Business Support | Halton Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise

Liverpool City Region’s Chambers of Commerce are working together to help give businesses across the Region a voice, and strengthen the relationship between employers and training providers through a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

Through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), employers are helping to influence training provision, workforce development and future skills priorities to ensure businesses have access to the talent they need to grow and succeed. Over 51,000 employers have been reached through the LSIP engagement programme, with more than 600 in-depth employer interviews helping to shape the region's skills priorities.

What is the Local Skills Improvement Plan?

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a government-backed strategy designed to align post-16 training with what employers in Halton need, both now and in the future.

We are working directly with local businesses, colleges and training providers as the LSIP aims to close skills gaps, create clearer pathways into good jobs and help businesses find the talent they need to thrive. The LSIP framework puts you, the employer, right at the heart of our skills system.

Being a part of the Liverpool City Region LSIP ensures that Halton’s local employers are represented and have a voice in shaping skills. Together to strengthen Halton’s position as a place where businesses can grow, recruit and innovate with confidence.

Download the Full LSIP Report and Supporting Annexes

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) provides a detailed overview of the skills and workforce challenges facing employers across the Liverpool City Region. Developed through extensive engagement with businesses, the report identifies the key priorities, opportunities and actions needed to support business growth, improve workforce development and strengthen the local economy.

We encourage employers, education providers and stakeholders to explore the full suite of LSIP documents to gain a deeper understanding of the evidence gathered, sector-specific priorities and recommendations for future action.

Download the Full LSIP Progress Report - July 2026

Employer Edition Summary Report

What Employers Told Us

Key Challenges Facing Businesses:

Recruitment & Retention - Many employers continue to experience difficulties attracting and retaining skilled workers.
Digital & AI Skills - Employers highlighted growing demand for digital capability, data skills and artificial intelligence knowledge across all sectors.
Leadership & Management - Businesses reported an increasing need for stronger leadership and management capability.
Workforce Development - Employers want clearer progression pathways and easier access to workforce development opportunities.
Compliance & Green Skills - Organisations require support to meet increasing regulatory requirements and sustainability targets.
Work Readiness - Businesses want recruits who are prepared for the realities of work and are able to contribute effectively from day one.

Industry Skills Partnerships

Industry Skills Partnerships (ISPs) are employer-led groups that bring together businesses, training providers and stakeholders to identify workforce challenges and develop practical solutions.

Priority Sectors:

Professional & Business Services
Advanced Manufacturing & Clean Energy
Construction & Built Environment
Health, Life Sciences & Care
Visitor Economy
Creative Industries
AI & Digital Transformation

Why Attend?

This is your opportunity to influence the future of skills, training and workforce development across your sector.

By joining an Industry Skills Partnership, you can:

Strengthen your talent poole by helping shape the skills and qualifications employers need now and in the future.
Influence apprenticeship and skills delivery to ensure training programmes better reflect the needs of local businesses.
Help develop the workforce of tomorrow by sharing employer insight and supporting the next generation of talent.
Have your voice heard on the skills challenges and opportunities affecting your industry.
Network with like-minded employers and collaborate on solutions to common workforce issues.
Support workforce growth and productivity within your business and across the Liverpool City Region.
Shape future training provision and ensure education providers understand the needs of employers.
Stay ahead of emerging trends including AI, digital transformation, sustainability and changing industry requirements.

Be Part of the Solution

The Industry Skills Partnership meetings will bring employers together to identify priorities, validate the findings of the Local Skills Improvement Plan and establish a strong employer-led voice for each sector.

Your insight and experience can help shape skills provision, support local economic growth and create better opportunities for future employees.

Together, we can build a stronger, more skilled workforce for Halton and the Liverpool City Region.

Download ISP Meeting Schedule

LSIP Board Guidelines

Register your Interest Today! Please Click Here

Register your Interest Here via the Expression of Interest Form

Jason Newton, Managing Director for Redrow NW, said: “We were very proud to sponsor this year’s Large Family Business of the Year category and our heartfelt congratulations go to Aqueous, as deserving winners. It’s an honour to once again be involved with the Halton Business Awards for 2023, an event which gets bigger and better every year and showcases the very best of the borough.”