Local Businesses and Employees Shine at BEST Awards

Why It Matters

The programme demonstrates how integrated recruitment, training and mentoring can boost retention and skill development in regional economies, offering a replicable model for other UK localities. Its success underscores the value of public‑private partnership in addressing local labour shortages.

Key Takeaways

• 50 participants hired; 40 still employed after six months
• Program combines recruitment, training, mentoring for local businesses
• Awards recognized 15 individuals and organisations for impact
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund financed Bridgend’s employment initiative
• Program slated to close March 2026 after successful year

Pulse Analysis

The Bridgend County Borough’s BEST (Bridgend Employer Support Training) scheme exemplifies a growing trend among UK local authorities to fuse recruitment, training and mentorship under a single umbrella. Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme addresses chronic skill shortages by providing employers with six months of on‑the‑job coaching for new hires, reducing the administrative burden of separate training contracts. By aligning the interests of businesses and job‑seekers, such integrated models accelerate workforce readiness, a critical factor as the UK economy pivots toward higher‑value, technology‑driven sectors. Policymakers increasingly view these hybrid solutions as cost‑effective levers for regional growth.

The first cohort of BEST delivered tangible results: 50 participants entered local roles, and 40 remain employed after the six‑month mentoring window, translating to an 80 % retention rate that outpaces national averages for entry‑level positions. The February awards ceremony highlighted this success, honoring 15 standout performers—from ‘Above and Beyond’ classroom champion Laura Skinner to community‑impact leader Baobab Bach. Testimonials from awardees underscore the programme’s practical value; employees cite personalized teaching strategies, while employers praise the ability to secure staff with the right skill mix. These outcomes validate the programme’s design and reinforce the business case for sustained investment.

As the BEST initiative winds down in March 2026, its legacy offers a blueprint for other councils seeking to strengthen local labour markets. The combination of government funding, council coordination, and employer participation created a scalable framework that can be adapted to diverse regional contexts. Continued support from the Shared Prosperity Fund or similar mechanisms will be essential to replicate this model and to address emerging challenges such as digital upskilling and post‑pandemic workforce fluidity. For businesses, the programme demonstrates that strategic partnership with public employment services can deliver measurable gains in talent acquisition, retention, and overall productivity.