About The Skills and Business Hub
At The Skills and Business Hub, we believe that sustainable economic growth begins with people—empowered individuals, thriving businesses, and connected communities.
Our journey began in 2011 as the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a government-funded initiative focused on regional development. Today, we have evolved into a dynamic, independent not-for-profit organisation, driven by purpose and passion to support the skills and business needs of Berkshire and beyond.
Our Story
We are proud to be a trusted partner for local authorities, businesses, and educational institutions. Our work spans professional development, business advisory services, and skills programmes that create meaningful connections and real opportunities. From start-ups to scale-ups, career seekers to educators, we offer a support network and strategic partnerships.
Our roots in the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) laid the foundation for a deep understanding of Berkshire’s economic landscape. Over the years, we’ve helped shape regional strategies, supported high-growth businesses, and championed careers education. That legacy lives on in everything we do today—elevated by our new identity and expanded mission. We honour our past by building a future where skills meet opportunity, and businesses thrive with purpose.
The Skills and Business Hub is driven by a clear vision and purpose: to create inclusive, sustainable economic growth by investing in people, businesses and skills – from classroom to boardroom. From being established in November 2011 as Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) working with the six local authorities in the area, our journey has been to develop as an independent, not-for-profit organisation still working closely with local government since the whilst becoming more agile and commercial recognising that government no longer funds LEPs. Our change of name reflects our continued commitment to driving economic growth and our agility, credibility and impact.
We understand that real change happens when insight meets action — when employers, educators, policymakers and local leaders come together around a shared vision for growth. That’s why we focus on building strong partnerships, using data and evidence to inform decisions, and delivering solutions that are responsive and future-facing.
I’m proud to lead a team that brings energy, expertise and integrity to everything we do. Whether we’re supporting a startup, shaping sector development, or helping individuals into meaningful employment, our goal remains the same: to empower and connect, so that every part of our region can thrive.
Our Mission
As a not-for-profit organisation, we collaborate with businesses, educators, partners and key stakeholders to deliver flexible and agile solutions that drive impactful local growth for our communities.
Our Vision
To collaborate with businesses, educators, partners and key stakeholders to deliver flexible and agile solutions, driving impactful growth.
Our Values
Quick links
Growth Academy
Berkshire Careers Hub
Skills and Apprenticeship Hub
Skills Bootcamps
Growth Hub
Latest news
20205-26 Apprenticeship funding rules (version 3)
Government unveils new skills reforms to get Britain working
Young Citizens Day at Garth Hill College
Join Our Network
Free support for your business – whatever its size, sector, or stage. Get free and instant access to expert advice, tailored resources, and powerful tools designed to boost your visibility and help your business thrive. Connect with a vibrant community of like-minded businesses, share opportunities, and grow your network while posting job vacancies directly to our thriving business network to raise your profile among potential partners and talent.
Take the next step to start unlocking your business's potential today – join now for free and help your business grow and move forward.
More from
The Skills and Business Hub
Growth Hub
Business support when you need it. Gain free impartial advice whatever stage of your business.
Your journey; our support.
Berkshire Growth Hub delivers fully-funded support from the Department of Business and Trade to small and medium sized businesses, from start-up to high growth.
Whether you are launching or ready to frow and scale your business, we can provide tailored guidance to help you achieve real results.
Skills and Apprenticeship Hub
The Skills and Apprenticeship Hub supports employers and individuals across Berkshire in accessing skills development, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Skills Bootcamps offer flexible training programmes designed to help individuals gain in-demand skills and fast-track into jobs.
Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are making a real impact—supporting individuals’ skills development and addressing the workforce needs of Berkshire employers.
Careers Hub
Berkshire Careers Hub, part of the Careers and Enterprise Company, delivers fully-funded careers support to educational institutions across Berkshire, empowering young people to secure their best next steps.
We work closely with Employers and Volunteers to provide coordinated access to future talent while helping shape the careers education that prepares tomorrow’s workforce.