A new report has revealed that Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are delivering real results for employers, colleges, training providers and learners across the country.
The analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce has delved into the performance of LSIPs across England for the past four years.
It highlights the success of the LSIP model in engaging employers at scale, strengthening collaboration between education and business, and translating employer insight into practical change on the ground. This includes the development of new courses, upgraded facilities and improved alignment between training and jobs. 
Somerset Chamber of Commerce works in partnership with Business West Chambers of Commerce to deliver the Somerset LSIP, working with employers and partners to identify priority skills needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
More than 1,260 businesses have engaged with the Somerset LSIP in 2025/2026 about their skills needs, across sectors such as digital and data, construction and the built environment, health and social care and low carbon and energy.
Some £5,061,145 funding was awarded to colleges in the area between 2023 and 2025 as part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which allowed for the creation of new courses, upgraded facilities and equipment and improvements in teaching capability and delivery.
Digital training across Devon and Somerset has recently seen major progress, with a strong focus on shared infrastructure, flexible access, and real-world application. In 2024 alone, more than 440 learners accessed Core Sector Digital Training across clean growth, health, hospitality, and creative industries, while AI-focused courses reached 80 learners. 90+ free digital courses were launched by Learn Devon and On Course South West and Skill Up Somerset.
While the report notes wider challenges facing the labour market, including the need to better engage young people with the world of work, its central conclusion is clear: LSIPs are working and provide a proven, employer-led framework that can be built on to drive long-term economic growth.
David Crew (pictured), Managing Director at Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training and education provision reflects the real needs of the local economy. The programme is strengthening collaboration, improving outcomes for learners and helping businesses plan for the future.
“But despite their success, funding isn’t guaranteed, and we need government to confirm long-term support for the scheme. We must undergo a regular and time-consuming re-tendering exercise, which is diverting attention away from the delivery of the actual programme.”
LSIPs are employer-led, place-based partnerships that bring businesses together with further and higher education, independent training providers and strategic authorities to ensure skills provision reflects real business needs.
There are 39 LSIPs across England (33 of which are run by Chambers of Commerce) and they are helping to reshape the skills system, so it better supports productivity, growth and opportunity in local economies.
The full report, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact, is available here.
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