For Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025 (MKBAA), Milton Keynes City Council has once again shown its commitment to supporting the local business community by being one of the headline sponsors for the event.
The theme of the awards is a vitally important one – ‘Bridging The Gap: Skills & Learning for Our Future Workforce’. Milton Keynes’ location, combined with its excellent transport links and a comparatively low cost-of-living, make it an attractive place for businesses to start-up, scale-up, and relocate. As a result, we have one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, with technology, finance, logistics, and professional services, being its fundamental pillars.
However, employers in all sectors are facing critical skills shortages, not just in MK but across the UK, almost one in 10 roles are in demand – this challenge is referenced in the Council’s City Plan 2025, that sets out the blueprint for growth to a population of over 400,000. It states an ambition to ‘…enable better access to education, skills and training, and economic opportunities to strengthen our regional and national economic role, with Central Milton Keynes at the heart of a diverse and resilient economy’.
We spoke to Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Economy, Sustainability and Innovation at the council about why it is important that Milton Keynes City Council supports MKBAA and her thoughts on the theme this year:
Why is it important for Milton Keynes City Council to be a headline sponsor for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025?
Milton Keynes City Council’s role as a headline sponsor for MKBAA 2025 helps highlight our commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation. MKCC is dedicated to supporting the local business community and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate the successes of our local entrepreneurs and businesses.
How does the theme “Bridging the Gap: Skills & Learning for Our Future Workforce” align with the City Council’s plan?
The theme aligns with Milton Keynes City Council’s plan to position the city as a leader in innovation and economic growth. It is extremely important that we help to bridge the gap and ensure everyone has an opportunity to access the skills and education to succeed.
Milton Keynes is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, with many big name companies, and by focusing on skills, the council is keen that local people are able to take advantage of local opportunities.
The skills shortage is a significant issue both locally and nationally. How is the City Council addressing this challenge within Milton Keynes?
As well as keeping a good relationship with local schools, businesses and colleges, Milton Keynes City Council is committed to reducing inequalities in access to education and training. Addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups, can help open that access and ensure everyone in the city has the opportunity to develop skills and contribute to the local economy.
Could you elaborate on the specific initiatives or programs the Council is implementing to improve access to education, skills, and training in the technology and digital industries?
Our Young People’s Opportunities Fair is a successful opportunity for young people aged 16-25 who are not yet in employment, education, or training, to meet local businesses and learn about the opportunities open to them in the city. The City Council’s Information, Advice and Guidance workers offer help with CV writing and interview techniques.
What role do you see the MKBAA 2025 playing in energising the debate and action around bridging the skills gap in Milton Keynes?
MKBAA 2025 plays a key role in highlighting the importance of addressing the skills gap and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The theme provides a platform to celebrate those already fostering those practices and encourages others to explore new ideas about how they can help bridge the gap.
In what ways does the Council collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance the skills landscape in Milton Keynes?
Collaboration is key when it comes to enhancing the local skills landscape. The City Council’s Smart City Action Plan is a five-year Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy which aims to grow the city’s global reputation as a ‘Smart City’ and home of innovation through partnerships and engagement. Events like the council’s Artificial Intelligence Festival helps to bring businesses together and our educational facilities are encouraged to get involved.
Why is it crucial for Milton Keynes to retain its position as one of the UK’s most productive and innovative cities, and how does addressing the skills gap contribute to this?
The city’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities is key for attracting investment and fostering economic growth. With technology at the forefront of our economy, addressing the skills gap is essential to ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need to innovate and expand.
How do you envision the long-term impacts of MK City Plan 2025 on the local business community and Milton Keynes’ economic role regionally and nationally?
The MK City Plan aims to create a thriving and sustainable city, creating opportunities for residents and businesses but also ensuring that Milton Keynes continues to contribute significantly to the UK economy.
To find out more about the final few remaining sponsorship opportunities for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025, visit www.mkbaa.co.uk/sponsorship/ and follow @MK_BAA on X and Instagram and join the discussion on LinkedIn.
