Sponsor Spotlight: West Berkshire Training Consortium backs ‘Employer of the Year’ category for Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards 2024
West Berkshire Training Consortium (WBTC) is the proud sponsor of this year’s ‘Employer of the Year’ category at the NWN Best in Business Awards.
The Newbury-based charity – which opened its doors to the community in 1983 – is sponsoring and judging the three candidates shortlisted for this year’s award.
They are: Broadmead Rest Home, CyberCrowd and The West Berks Cleaning Company.
Newburytoday spoke to executive director, Craig Mincher, who joined the charity last year.
Mr Mincher has a background working in further education and the third sector (which includes charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.
Described what qualities he looks for in a company, he said: “I’ve got some general questions about what I’m really keen to understand.
“One is how the culture is led by ownership and the management, and what that means for the team on the ground.
“Also, how they celebrate good practice, look after wellbeing and develop and train their staff as well.”
Why is it important for WBTC to be involved with the Awards?
“We’ve been part of the fabric of Newbury and West Berkshire for about 40 years now, so we want to be a part of celebrating all this is good in the area,” added Mr Mincher.
“While we do operate outside of Newbury, this is our home, and it is very important for us to be a part of this.”
And how has he registered the impact of the current harsh economic climate on local businesses?
“I think it was very important in this current cost-of-living crisis for employers to look after their staff, who put a lot of work in.
“We know there’s some businesses which have struggled with matching pay rises to inflation, but we want to know how employers are keeping their staff happy and developing really.”
WBTC was established by the local chamber of commerce and former Newbury District Council 40 years ago, over which time it has supported more than 16,000 people with apprenticeships and training.
Mr Mincher will be attending the gala dinner with his team on Friday, April 12, at Newbury Racecourse.
Newbury Building Society won the ‘Employer of the Year’ award at last year’s event, which was sponsored by Special Auction Services.
Individual tickets for the black-tie event cost £95 (plus VAT) and include a drinks reception, three-course meal with complimentary table wine and entertainment.
Visit https://www.iliffemediapromotions.co.uk/newbury-business-awards/ to book your ticket.
