South London Skills Summit 2025 brings together business, education, and government leaders to shape the region’s future-ready workforce

The South London Skills Summit took place on Thursday, 20 November, bringing together leaders from business, education, and local government at Merton College. The event was co-hosted by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team at South London Partnership and South Thames Colleges Group.

The summit marked a major milestone in the development of the South London annex of the London Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), celebrating progress and shaping the next phase of the region’s skills strategy. The South London annex involves a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, education providers and the wider skills and employment community of South London, all focused on building a skilled and adaptable workforce to boost economic growth now and in the future.

The event commenced with keynote speeches that set a collaborative and forward-looking agenda. Prominent figures from across South London spoke, including Peter Mayhew Smith CBE, Group Principal at South Thames Colleges Group; Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, London Borough of Merton; and Sarah Ireland, CEO, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Ireland stated: “The South London annex is working hard to develop skills and create real job opportunities here in South London. The Connect to Work programme, for example, is bringing employers together to tackle economic inactivity and youth unemployment. By partnering with the South London Careers Hub, colleges and major employers, and by using events like this to share ideas and understand what businesses truly need, the South London annex is helping to shape a workforce that’s ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Matthew Hamilton, Director of South London Partnership, then presented an overview of the LSIP progress and priorities, highlighting the region’s achievements and opportunities: “Since 2023, the LSIP and LSIF have grown into a powerful driver of collaboration and investment, bringing employers and educators together to tackle South London’s most pressing skills opportunities and challenges. We’re now seeing real momentum – from initiatives that help people back into work to enhanced collaboration through the South London Skills Partnership Charter.”

Further sessions explored key skills topics. A keynote conversation on youth employment, led by Tom Hadley, Board Member from Youth Employment UK, and Polly Perechino, Head of Economy, Skills and Employment at South London Partnership, discussed how South London can better support young people into work, emphasising the importance of accessible learning environments. Becky Brake, Partnerships Manager at South London Careers Hub, presented on the ‘experience gap’, challenging organisations to rethink how they prepare people for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Mark Hilton, Director, Policy Delivery and Membership at BusinessLDN, highlighted the future of London-wide skills needs, underlining the importance of aligning regional training with emerging economic, technological and demographic trends.

Peter Mayhew-Smith CBE, Group Principal, South Thames College Group, commented: “Learning opportunities that blend technical training with real workplace experience are essential for helping young people build the transferable skills employers need. South Thames Colleges Group are leading the way on this – shaping courses with industry partners and ensuring students develop the teamwork, punctuality and customer service skills that make them job-ready from day one.”

After a short break, participants joined thematic sessions exploring major shifts affecting employers, including construction and green skills, as well as health, life sciences and social care. These breakout groups provided collaborative spaces to shape the LSIP through practical insight and shared expertise. The summit concluded with closing remarks and a networking lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and reinforce partnerships that will drive South London’s skills agenda forward.

Craig Hurring, Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon, added: “The biggest takeaway from the Skills Summit is the shared commitment across South London to work boldly and collaboratively to give residents the skills they need and employers the talent they’re looking for. The energy and pace of change we are seeing through the new partnerships and collaborative working is genuinely exciting.

“In Wimbledon, where long-established, global firms sit alongside solopreneurs, new sectors and constant development, the LSIP is helping over 600 businesses tap into local talent. I will continue to encourage our businesses in Wimbledon to seek out and invest in South London’s talent, and to play an active role in shaping the future skills landscape through the Skills & Employment Partnership Charter.”

South London businesses and organisations have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping a future-ready workforce. Join us, sign the charter, and help us build a more dynamic, skilled, and inclusive South London. For further information on the charter, visit: Skills and Employment Partnership Charter – South London Partnership

For more details, visit the Skills Summit Webpage: https://southlondonpartnership.co.uk/south-london-skills-summit-2025/