The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed three enterprise advisers for its Careers Enterprise Company, which offers strategic support to schools.
The company aims to create powerful connections between local businesses and education providers. 
Joining as enterprise advisers are Bath-based Wessex Water education adviser Duncan Forbes, UWE associate dean, research, innovation & partnerships Prof Jenny Ames, and Emma Wood , senior associate in the Bristol office of regional law firm Foot Anstey.
Enterprise advisers are part of the LEP’s strategic economic plan to build a skilled and informed workforce to ensure that our young people are ready to cope with the fast pace of technological change.
Volunteers from business work directly with school and college leaders to form a powerful alliance to strengthen their strategic working and bridge the gap between the worlds of work and employment, bringing business and education closer together.
Duncan Forbes, pictured, works with local schools, colleges and universities to support learning about all aspects of water, including the future challenges of sustainable supply and climate change, and is also a STEM ambassador. He has worked in environmental business sectors or education for the past 30 years.
He said: “I am passionate that young people need to understand the relevance of what they are being taught in schools for their future work lives. I am keen to help schools successfully partner with local businesses to help promote this understanding and to enthuse students about the brilliant work opportunities available to them locally (and globally).”
Jenny Ames brings with her a wealth of diverse experience around academic leadership, mentoring and coaching, has worked in the US and collaborated with a wealth of colleagues around the globe within a wide range of organisations including: NHS Trusts, museums, the private sector, a county council, business networks, other universities in the UK, and the public sector.
She said: “I decided to join the Enterprise Network because I am passionate about helping people to reach their potential. I believe this needs to start in school through learners making appropriate steps towards a career that inspires them.
“I would like to have the opportunity to share some of my experiences and network of contacts with young people. I am very interested in working with a school with the aim of helping learners to be more aware of the range of careers on offer and the skills employers look for. On a personal level I look forward to be part of the Enterprise Advisor Network.”
Emma Wood’s expertise encompasses leveraged acquisition finance, investment, development property finance, and Islamic finance. She has also worked as restructuring lawyer at an offshore firm, Walkers based in Hong Kong, specialised in acquisition finance at Addleshaw Goddard in London and was seconded to Barclays in Canary Wharf.
She said: “The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership is an exciting and ambitious organisation driving business and innovation in this area with the aim of making this an even better place to live, work and invest. I was keen to get involved with this scheme from a business and personal perspective.
“People development is a crucial part of this scheme and equipping future leaders and innovators will be integral to our future success as it is to the success of any business. At a time that is both challenging for both employers and future workforce, but equally provides huge opportunities to those who are have the skills and talents necessary, I wanted to be part of a strategy that will hopefully empower young people to discover and fulfil their potential.”
LEP chair Stephen Robertson added: “The West of England LEP works with business leaders and schools alike to support and develop talent in young people, to inspire and prepare for the fast-changing world of work. The adviser network is based on research that shows that greater contact with employers among young people leads to better employment prospects.”
