New Skills Plan Aims To Help Kent And Medway Businesses Tackle Workforce Challenges

Employer-led roadmap published to support growth, productivity and future workforce development

Businesses across Kent and Medway facing recruitment challenges, workforce shortages and rapid technological change now have a new roadmap designed to help address the skills challenges affecting the region’s economy.

The Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 has been published by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the designated Employer Representative Body for the region. Funded by UK Government and supported by the Department for Work and Pensions, the plan sets out the skills priorities identified by employers and the actions needed to support business growth over the next three years.

Whether recruiting new staff, upskilling existing employees or planning for future workforce needs, the LSIP is designed to help ensure businesses can access the skills and talent required to succeed.

The publication comes at a time when many businesses are experiencing difficulties recruiting staff, addressing skills gaps and adapting to changing technologies and sustainability requirements. Employers have also highlighted growing concerns around leadership and management capability, workforce availability and digital skills.

Building on the Kent & Medway Skills Trailblazer launched in 2022 and the first LSIP published in 2023, the new plan reflects the changing needs of employers and the wider economy. It supersedes the previous LSIP while building on four years of collaboration between businesses, education providers, local authorities and strategic partners to strengthen skills provision across the region.

The plan sets out practical actions to strengthen talent pipelines, improve routes into employment and ensure training provision meets the workforce needs of local businesses.

The Kent & Medway LSIP is one of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans being launched across England, each designed to put employers at the heart of skills planning and ensure local training provision reflects the needs of local economies.

Welcoming the publication of the new LSIPs, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

“For too long too many people have been locked out of opportunity, and businesses have struggled to recruit the skilled staff they need to build their workforce.

“Local leaders have a unique insight into the skills needs and opportunities in their area, which is why we are putting them in the driving seat to support their community.”

Tudor Price, Chief Executive Officer of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Our economy is changing rapidly, and employers need a skills system that can keep pace. This new LSIP provides a clear direction for Kent and Medway, helping to ensure businesses can access the talent they need to grow, innovate and compete. It builds on the strong progress already made since 2023 and sets out a shared vision for developing the workforce that will drive our region’s future success.”

The publication marks the start of the next phase of delivery, with employers continuing to play a central role in shaping skills priorities across Kent and Medway.

The full Kent & Medway LSIP 26-29 including annexes can be viewed here: kentemployerskillsplan.org/kent-medway-lsip-2026

Businesses interested in getting involved in future LSIP activity or sharing workforce challenges and opportunities are encouraged to contact the team at [email protected].