UK
Members of the Textile Services Association gathered at the Sketchley Grange hotel in Hinckley, Leicestershire to attend the TSA Sector Interest Group meeting. Key news was the announcement of the secured development for a Textile Care Services apprenticeship.
Lead apprenticeship employer, Sarah Cooper of CLEAN, talked to delegates about the apprenticeship levy, what defines an apprentice and the work that has been done to secure government approval for the development of an English, industry-specific apprenticeship.
She also announced the next steps of the process and encouraged interested parties to attend the HR & Training Knowledge Network event on 9 November at Carden Park, Cheshire between 10am and 2pm.
TSA chief executive Philip Wright thanked to the TSA Gold and Silver Supply Partners for the sponsorship of the meeting, and updated members on association activity, with a particular focus on the Knowledge Network development. He also showcased the results of the Employment Trend Survey, which were released the same day.
SIG regular, Siobhán Gibbons of Jacobs – TSA's partner for Climate Change Agreement administration – updated delegates on the latest results from Target Period 2 of the Climate Change Agreement. The industry has made sterling progress in their efforts for energy reduction and it is reflected in the results of target period 2. However, it was noted that the last 5% targets of the scheme will be a difficult result to achieve.
Gillian Farrar, TSA head of membership and communications, took members through the re-invigorated, TSA website, highlighting the benefits of more user control, easy event booking, catchment-area-directory searches and Group discussion forums. The new website also offers a higher profile to the policy work the Association undertakes on behalf of the industry as well as providing an easy platform for new members to join.
A presentation by GK Strategy, TSA's public affairs partner, generated an interesting debate with a focus on Brexit and access to the workforce. No predictions were made, however, gut feelings were expressed. Thanks to Matt Palutikof and Will O'Leary for presenting.
The headline speaker for TSA's National Conference in November will be James Lohan of www.mrandmrssmith.com booking website fame. Lohan is an engaging businessman that has pushed quality to the forefront of booking websites for hotels and National Conference attendees will discover where linen ranks within their decision-making.
The sector sessions, held in the afternoon after lunch, focused on refining sector-specific messaging for the industry and, the introduction of sector-specific codes of practice - looking at the viability and benefits. Minutes from these sessions will be available to members imminently in the Resources library.
The TSA Executive thanked all members who attended. With 70 delegates present, it created a busy day and feedback suggested that members are really noticing the momentum and direction of the new TSA.
