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.

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

• Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
• Jobs Board
• Companies we have worked with
• Wellbeing Support