COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to many businesses, with SMEs amongst the hardest hit. That’s why, at American Express, we're pleased to be supporting a new initiative, led by the London Progression Collaboration (LPC), to support SME recovery via a dedicated apprenticeship fund.
The Reskilling the Recovery campaign is helping large employers to pledge their unspent apprenticeship levy funds to enable small businesses to offer apprenticeship opportunities, recognising that the right people with the right skills are vital to business success. The apprenticeship opportunities created will help small businesses access training, as well as helping Londoners into work and to progress in work.
The campaign has already secured pledges of over £1.5 million of unspent apprenticeship levy funding, from the organisations like Amazon, BBC, and several London Boroughs. These funds are immediately available to SMEs.
We are continuing our commitment to supporting small businesses by pledging some of our apprenticeship levy to Reskilling the Recovery. This will fund apprenticeship training for small retailers and hospitality businesses across London, enabling them to take on new apprentices or upskill existing staff.
As well as the funding, The LPC will be offering businesses support and advice around how to get started with apprenticeships and how to make the most of the opportunities that they present.
If you’re a small business in London interested in accessing this funding and support, you can find more information at thelpc.uk/recovery.