Newbury Business Today

Thursday, November 4, 2021 33

Newbury Weekly News

Take part in WBTC 100 Apprentice Challenge Call to levy paying firms to donate towards apprenticeships in West Berks

THERE is no denying that it has been a challenging few years for businesses, both large and small. In response to the pandemic and its effect on the economy, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the development and launch of a new system that will allow apprenticeship levy paying organisations to easily donate up to 25 per cent of their levy to smaller organisations. The vast majority of organisations aren’t aware that their unused levy funds (taxes) will automatically go back to the Treasury and be absorbed into the day-to-day costs of government. Newbury MP Laura Farris recently called for the Government to take steps to support the transfer of unspent levy funds from large organisations to small and medium-sized enterprises. Mr Sunak said, “Our small and medium-sized businesses

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It has been a difficult time for our economy, and by launching our 100 Apprentice Challenge we are supporting our local community to build back better

industry sector. West Berkshire Training Consortium managing director Matt Garvey said: “It has been a difficult time for our economy, and by launching our 100 Apprentice Challenge we are supporting our local community to build back better. “We have already had a good amount of interest and pledges from employers and we can’t wait to hit that 100 mark.” If you are interested in taking part, or to find out more, please contact karen@wbtc- uk.com

are the cornerstone of our economy, and so I’m thrilled

that we’re making it easier for them to take on apprentices.” In response to this, West Berkshire Training Consortium (WBTC) is launching a new initiative to help levy paying employers to connect with small businesses that need help in growing back after the pandemic. The 100 Apprentice Challenge will be officially launched during a visit from Laura Farris MP on Wednesday, November 10. The 100 Apprentice Challenge aims to secure donations from local employers to fund 100 apprentices. Employers can decide how much to donate and which sectors they want to donate to. Their donations can make

Firms can donate up to 25 per cent of their levy to support the WBTC 100 Apprentice Challenge

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