On Thursday 31st October, Cosmic, in collaboration with FutureDotNow, hosted two significant events to support digital skills development across the South West. These sessions focused on ways in which employers can be more effective in engaging the "hidden middle" of the workforce who lack essential digital skills. There is a call-to-action for all SW businesses and organisations to sign the FutureDotNow Charter to show their commitment.
Liz Williams, Chief Executive at FutureDotNow encouraged leaders across the South West region to take up the challenge of digital skills, and forge ahead with this work to make sure the region is a national example of how digital skills can boost both economic and social value.
The first event brought together business leaders from across the region for lunch roundtable discussion at the scenic Mount Somerset. A special thanks to Paul Coles and the South West Business Council for hosting the lunch. Julie Hawker, Cosmic CEO and South West Industry Lead for FutureDotNow, alongside Liz Williams, CEO of FutureDotNow, delivered presentations highlighting the urgent need to address digital skills among the 'hidden middle'—the 17.1 million UK workers who lack essential digital skills. They introduced the FutureDotNow Charter and its value for all businesses to actively support this mission.
The conversation emphasised not only ways to enhance digital proficiency within organisations but also the importance of preparing young people for the workforce. The Essential Digital Skills Framework was introduced as a guide for businesses to develop digital competence within their teams.
Emma Moore, Cosmic's Head of Business Development and Marketing, shared insights from her work within FutureDotNow’s Workstream 5, collaborating with organisations like Nationwide, Amey, M&S and Cornwall Council to develop resources including the Workplace Assessment Guide and the Colleague Self-Assessment Tool. These tools are designed to help businesses evaluate and develop digital skills across their workforce.
Attendees included PWC, Wildanet, Marjon University, LiveWest, Elixel, Nexus, Stephens Scown, Hertzian, and the discussions brought forward new ideas and commitment to supporting the digital skills agenda.
Following the lunch, Julie, Liz, and Emma travelled to the Firepool Innovation Centre in Taunton. Thanks to Somerset Council for hosting us at this incredible new facility, where we met leaders in economic and skills development from various local authorities, including Devon County Council, Dorset Council, Somerset Council, and Cornwall Council, alongside representatives from Dorset Chamber, Tech Cornwall and Learn Devon. This session focused on developing a shared ambition for digital skills across the South West, recognising the essential role these skills play in driving regional growth.
Together, these two events underscored a unified vision across both business and public sectors to tackle the digital skills gap and empower the South West’s workforce. The energy, collaboration, and innovative ideas that emerged have set a strong foundation for future impact.
For more information on the ‘hidden middle’ and the FutureDotNow Charter, explore the Hidden Middle Report.