Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College is using the Marches Energy Fund to convert two existing farm buildings into a training centre for low carbon and renewable technologies installation at the College’s Holme Lacy Campus. As an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approved centre, training will be provided to the construction industry, developing the skills required to install low-carbon technologies, including solar, ground-source and air-source heat pumps in both new build and retrofit settings.
£1,2 million Marches LEP Funding
1.5 Direct New jobs created and 20 Apprentices created (FTE)
750 New learners (students enrolled)
100 Enterprises receiving support
In order to achieve their net zero ambitions, the Government has created a number of financial incentives to support the decarbonisation of properties. However, to access funding, it is a requirement that only installers who are accredited to undertake the work by the recognised body, MCS are used. In order to receive accreditation, it is a requirement that tradespeople are trained and assessed at an MCS accredited centre, ensuring that they meet the standards set. Unfortunately, there is currently a national shortage of training centres capable of training low-carbon installers to the required, certificated standard.
This is equally true of the Marches LEP area where currently there are no other established providers undertaking this type of work. By developing an MCS accredited centre in Herefordshire, the project intends to support the development of the low-carbon industry in the Marches by training both existing and future workforce. Additionally, there are presently no established funded low-carbon installer training providers in the surrounding areas, including Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Powys and Gwent. This project will therefore also seek to support installers in these areas.
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.
The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.
The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.
We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.
The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.
The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk
For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk
For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk
The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com