A GROUP of business owners based in Redditch, have recently launched a new programme of support for schools and their students.

The scheme, delivered by the Redditch Business Leaders group, will provide practical support to students from the age of 10 to 16 to help them develop skills and gain practical knowledge that will ultimately help them make the transition into employment.

The group was formed in 2022 by several business owners from across the borough with the sole purpose of delivering practical support and skills development to schools and students in the area.

Today, the group includes over 20 member businesses made up of CEOs, managing directors, and business owner-managers from a wide range of sectors, as well as senior leaders from Redditch Borough Council and the wider community.

The ‘Business Skills for Students’ programme officially starts this month with several schools in the county already signed up.

Business owners from the group will be spending time with students on school premises delivering a range of sessions including mock interviews, CV workshops, and mentoring, as well as covering topics such as financial education.

Simon Hyde, CEO of Faun Zoeller, and chair of the Redditch Business Leaders group, said everyone was incredibly excited to get the scheme launched.

“Redditch Business Leaders’ sole purpose is to provide students with the practical support that will help them make that transition into the world of work and complements what they have learnt in their studies.

“With business owners and leaders delivering these sessions, we are confident our new programme will make a significant and positive difference to students across the district, businesses in the region, and the local and regional economy.”

Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, added he had been incredibly proud to be part of the Redditch Business Leaders since its formation last year.

“It is great so many of the leaders of those businesses are giving up their time to support local students.

“The “Business Skills for Students” will take this work and will help us continue to improve the aspirations of the people across Redditch and the rest of the county.”