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Enterprise Adviser Network Celebrates Continued Funding

The Enterprise Adviser Network (EAN) is celebrating after being awarded funding of £150,000 which is set to benefit schools and young people across the Heart of the South West (HotSW) area. The additional funding means the project can continue in schools for another year.

The business project, which has already been running in over 60 schools in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, began in September 2016. It is being hailed as a success and many schools have chosen to continue running the careers focused project over the next year.

The EAN connects local business leaders with schools, helping to motivate and inspire young people. The project supports students in making choices about their future career, helping to shape and influence their employment plans.

Stephen Criddle, Chair of the Enterprise Adviser Steering Group, Principal of South Devon College and HotSW LEP Board Member welcomed the additional funding: The Enterprise Adviser Project started in 60 schools in the HotSW area just over a year ago, yet we already are seeing tangible, encouraging results and the project is starting to make a real difference to young people.

This is an important milestone: the project is gaining momentum and this means more young people will be able to benefit from the partnership that is being forged between employers and schools, meaning they have increased access to the world of work.

Steve Hindley, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: This is good news for our economy; the project gives employers the chance to support local careers advice and guidance, which ultimately raises ambition and business growth.

Paul Hobson, Chief Executive of CSW Group, said: CSW Group is delighted to be able to continue to deliver this important and valuable project in schools across the Heart of the South West area. There have already been some fantastic successes demonstrating how beneficial the links between business and schools can be, and we look forward to developing this further.

Funding for the project was secured by HotSW LEP, in conjunction with the four-upper tier local authorities. The Enterprise Adviser Network encourages employers and schools to work together to support young people in making informed choices about their future careers.

CSW Group is contracted to provide the service, which is being funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company, Devon County Council, Somerset Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Development Agency.

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.