Business community news

• Improvements made to Broughton Astley village centre thanks to funding

  Published on Friday 17 March 2023

  A programme of small improvements to Broughton Astley village centre is in progress, thanks to Harborough District Council’s allocation of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

• Have your say on Council budget proposals

  Published on Wednesday 18 January 2023

  Residents are being asked to have their say on Harborough District Council’s budget proposals.

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  Funding of up to £2k to help businesses grow

  Published on Tuesday 3 January 2023

  Local grants are now open for businesses in the Harborough district to help them prosper and grow.

• Harborough district to benefit from Government funding

  Published on Wednesday 7 December 2022

  Harborough District is set to benefit from over two million pounds (£2,172,095) after the Government formally approved Harborough District Council’s investment plan for its allocation of funding.

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  Christmas events set to bring cheer to Market Harborough

  Published on Friday 11 November 2022

  The festive season is nearly upon us, beginning with the switch on of the Christmas Lights in Market Harborough town centre.

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  Delicious business opportunity for on-site café

  Published on Monday 7 November 2022

  An exciting new opportunity has arisen to operate and run a vibrant café business at Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC) with an option to open a second café at Harborough Grow-on Centre (HGC)

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  Free workshop for entrepreneurs and start-ups in Harborough district

  Published on Thursday 13 October 2022

  Starting in Business Programme delivered by NBV at Harborough Innovation Centre.

• Shop fronts transformed thanks to Council investment

  Published on Tuesday 11 October 2022

  High street shop fronts have been transformed, to help them attract more customers, thanks to improvement grants from the Council. 

• Find your next job as careers event returns

  Published on Friday 8 July 2022

  Job seekers are set for the return of a careers event offering advice on training, skills and finding work, as well as a chance to network with local employers.

• VIP visit to celebrate support for local market

  Published on Friday 20 May 2022

  There was a special visit to Harborough Market on Friday to promote and celebrate the Love Your Local Market campaign.

• Have your say on vision for Market Harborough

  Published on Thursday 19 May 2022

  People are being invited to have their say on a vision for the town centre in Market Harborough at a series of drop-in events being held in May.

• Step out and put best foot forward this May

  Published on Monday 16 May 2022

  It’s time to ditch the car and dig out your walking boots! 

• It’s time to Love Your Local Market

  Published on Thursday 12 May 2022

  Shoppers are being encouraged to visit Harborough Market as part of a national campaign leading up to The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

• Join new Wistow to Wigston trail in honour of local saint

  Published on Tuesday 10 May 2022

  People are being invited to join together for an extraordinary ‘pilgrimage’ between two communities in honour of a Leicestershire saint.

• Inspiring offices already proving popular for business

  Published on Friday 22 April 2022

  Harborough Innovation Centre has some brand-new drop-in workspaces which are all uniquely designed and sure to impress.

• Harborough Jobs Week returns offering careers advice

  Published on Wednesday 23 March 2022

  Job seekers are set for the return of a week-long initiative offering advice on careers, employment and training.

• ‘Go Green’ event helps businesses be more sustainable

  Published on Wednesday 23 March 2022

  Going ‘green’ was the aim of an innovative event that saw over 30 local businesses join together with the combined intention of tackling climate change and being more environmentally-friendly.

• Popular Spring market returns to town centre

  Published on Wednesday 23 March 2022

  The popular Spring Market is returning to The Square in Market Harborough with an eclectic mix of street foods, artisan groceries, arts, crafts and accessories.

• New planters to make town centre bloom

  Published on Friday 4 March 2022

  Attractive new flower planters are set to bring spectacular colour to Market Harborough town centre.

• ‘Go green’ event helping businesses to be more sustainable 

  Published on Tuesday 1 March 2022

  Businesses across the Harborough district are invited to ‘go green’ and find out how to reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable. 

• Local businesses offered support package for free

  Published on Friday 11 February 2022

  Retailers and businesses across the Harborough district are being given a unique opportunity to access vital support to help them recover from the pandemic.

• Festive elves move into town market

  Published on Wednesday 1 December 2021

  There are new occupants of Market Harborough indoor market – in the shape of festive elves!

• Festive events set to bring people into town

  Published on Tuesday 9 November 2021

  With the festive season on its way, a host of festive delights are being lined up in the Harborough district to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

• Town to be illuminated ‘poppy red’ for Remembrance

  Published on Monday 8 November 2021

  The town centre in Market Harborough and The Symington Building are set to be illuminated ‘poppy red’ to mark the Remembrance commemorations.

• Autumn market returns with food and gift ideas

  Published on Wednesday 3 November 2021

  An Autumn Market is returning to Market Harborough offering a wide selection of freshly prepared street foods, artisan grocery products, arts, crafts, clothing and accessories.

• Job seekers to benefit from regular support

  Published on Wednesday 20 October 2021

  Following the success of a recent trial drop-in ‘Job Club’ to help those seeking employment, these are to become a regular event.

• Shop fronts to get makeover thanks to grants

  Published on Wednesday 13 October 2021

  Shop fronts across the district are set for a makeover to help boost the appeal and character of shopping areas and help attract more customers.

• Call for businesses to apply for grants

  Published on Wednesday 29 September 2021

  Thousands of pounds in grants have already been handed to local businesses which are recovering from the Covid pandemic – and more are being encouraged to apply for funding.

• Driving success in HGV support scheme

  Published on Tuesday 21 September 2021

  People in the Harborough district are already benefiting from a scheme to help them train as HGV drivers.

• Ambitious vision for Lutterworth’s town centre unveiled

  Published on Tuesday 7 September 2021

  New meeting spaces, innovative artwork or statues, and the creation of a public plaza are just a few of the proposals being put forward as part of an ambitious vision for Lutterworth town centre.

• Harborough market celebrates 800th anniversary

  Published on Monday 6 September 2021

  A series of celebratory events are planned to mark the 800th anniversary of the Tuesday market in Market Harborough.

• Drive career forward with HGV driver training

  Published on Monday 6 September 2021

  People in the Harborough district are being offered a unique opportunity to get HGV driver training to help them seek higher paid, prosperous and secure employment.

• More grants to help businesses recover from pandemic

  Published on Wednesday 4 August 2021

  Further Government grants are being made available to help businesses in the Harborough district bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

• Business giants signal major boost for district’s economy

  Published on Wednesday 4 August 2021

  Major investment from four global businesses, at a key distribution site in the Harborough district, has been welcomed as a “a significant boost for the local economy”.

• New tourism guide launched to attract visitors

  Published on Wednesday 4 August 2021

  A vibrant new tourism guide has been published to boost the number of visitors to the Harborough district.

• Local Authority Trading company welcomes national retailer to Market Harborough

  Published on Wednesday 4 August 2021

  Harborough District Commercial Services Ltd (HDCS) (Harborough District Council’s Local Authority Trading company) is set to welcome a British discount variety retailer to Market Harborough.

• Shoppers invited to have say on town retail

  Published on Wednesday 7 July 2021

  People of all ages are being given an opportunity to have their say about the way they shop with town centre businesses.

• Visits give insight into job scheme benefits

  Published on Friday 18 June 2021

  Council Leader Cllr Phil King and Neil O’Brien MP took time this week to visit young people and employers who are benefitting from the national Kickstart Scheme.

• Join the business innovators at exciting virtual event

  Published on Friday 11 June 2021

  The most innovative and entrepreneurial businesses in the Harborough district are set to take part in a unique virtual event – and more people are being invited to take part.

• Harborough’s independent businesses to join Fiver Fest High Street campaign

  Published on Friday 4 June 2021

  Local independent shops and businesses across Harborough District are once again taking part in the Totally Locally National Fiver Fest in a bid to boost the local economy.

• Town’s Sunday antiques market set to return

  Published on Friday 21 May 2021

  The popular Antiques Market is set to return to Market Harborough over the bank holiday weekend – with a new Sunday carvery available too.

• Jobs initiative to continue to help people into work

  Published on Wednesday 19 May 2021

  Job seekers are set to have a permanent route into the workplace thanks to a successful Harborough District Council initiative becoming long-term.

• New window display to welcome shoppers

  Published on Tuesday 16 March 2021

  An innovative and eye-catching window display is now adorning an empty shop in Market Harborough town centre.

• First ever Harborough Jobs Week set to get underway

  Published on Monday 15 March 2021

  Are you looking for a job? Maybe you need support in updating your CV or sharpening your interview skills? If so, don’t miss the first ever Harborough Jobs Week.

• Young people step into workplace thanks to scheme

  Published on Friday 12 March 2021

  More than 30 work placements, created to help young people struggling to find employment in the challenging economic climate, are now ready to be filled.

• Get involved with Harborough Jobs Week

  Published on Wednesday 24 February 2021

  Calling local employers! Do you have upcoming job vacancies?

• Kickstart initiative helping businesses and young people

  Published on Thursday 21 January 2021

  More than 30 unemployed young people across the Harborough district are set to gain valuable experience in the workplace thanks to a new initiative.

• Grants for businesses which have had no funding during recent lockdowns

  Published on Friday 15 January 2021

  Grants are being made available to businesses in the Harborough district which have NOT received any financial support during the Covid-19 restrictions in November and December 2020.

• Festive winter scene brought to life in town centre

  Published on Thursday 10 December 2020

  Just in time for the Christmas season, a wintery window scene has been brought to life in Market Harborough.

• Businesses urged to get ready for end of EU transition on 1 January

  Published on Friday 27 November 2020

  Evidence suggesting that many Leicestershire businesses might not be prepared for the end of the EU Exit transition period has led to calls to action from local community leaders.

• Free parking on Saturdays in run up to Christmas

  Published on Thursday 26 November 2020

  Shoppers are once again set to benefit from free parking on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas in all council-owned car parks in the Harborough district.

• More grants launched to help businesses affected by lockdown

  Published on Wednesday 25 November 2020

  Further grants have been launched this week to help businesses in the Harborough district which have been affected by the national lockdown.

• Grants for local businesses affected by lockdown

  Published on Thursday 19 November 2020

  Businesses in the Harborough district which have been forced to temporarily close under the national restrictions are being urged to apply for a grant.

• Get funding to employ a young person

  Published on Wednesday 4 November 2020

  Would you like to help a young person take their first step into work?

• Tourism summit planned to tackle current challenges

  Published on Tuesday 3 November 2020

  A virtual tourism summit is set to bring together hospitality businesses in the district to share ideas on how to overcome the challenges of the current coronavirus pandemic.

• Roads reopen in Market Harborough after period of closure

  Published on Friday 18 September 2020

  Church Street and Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough have reopened to traffic following a period of closure.

• Spot checks for local businesses

  Published on Tuesday 15 September 2020

  Spot checks are set to be carried out at businesses across the Harborough district to ensure they are complying with Covid-19 guidelines.

• Closed roads to reopen after public feedback

  Published on Friday 11 September 2020

  Road changes, introduced to encourage shoppers back into town centres, are to be relaxed following feedback from the public.

• Working with business community to plan ‘alternative’ Christmas

  Published on Tuesday 25 August 2020

  Plans are underway to organise an ‘alternative’ Christmas – with a Victorian theme – to give local businesses a much-needed boost.

• Further monitoring on road changes following survey

  Published on Monday 24 August 2020

  Some changes are set to be made following a survey to gauge public opinion on road changes introduced in town centres – with further observational work set to take place.

• Centre’s first tenants positive sign for local economy

  Published on Thursday 20 August 2020

  The first tenants have been welcomed into the Harborough Grow-on Centre, and discussions are underway for more companies to join them over the coming weeks.

• Public views sought on temporary road changes

  Published on Wednesday 22 July 2020

  Residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on temporary road changes put in place as part of the reopening of shops in the Harborough district.

• Task force visit to help boost high streets

  Published on Tuesday 14 July 2020

  Shop managers and retailers were able to speak directly to a high streets’ expert on Friday when the head of a task panel visited Market Harborough as part of a fact-finding mission.

• ‘Shop Local’ campaign launched to boost retailers

  Published on Monday 6 July 2020

  ‘We are open and ready to do business’ is the loud and clear message of a campaign being launched today.

• Temporarily closed road in Lutterworth reopens

  Published on Thursday 2 July 2020

  Church Street in Lutterworth, which was temporarily closed to support the reopening of town centres in Harborough district and enable social distancing, has reopened.

• Road closure schemes to be amended

  Published on Thursday 2 July 2020

  Temporary road closures, put in place to support the reopening of town centres in Harborough district, are being reviewed and amended following feedback from businesses and residents.

• Town centre businesses get ready to re-open

  Published on Wednesday 10 June 2020

  Shops and businesses are set to re-open across Harborough district – and ‘helpers’ will be on hand in town centres to promote social distancing and safe shopping.

• Priority businesses can apply for a discretionary business grant

  Published on Wednesday 3 June 2020

  Local Authority Discretionary Grants scheme launched.

• Virtual meetings to help business recovery

  Published on Monday 1 June 2020

  Businesses are being asked how the Council, and other organisations, can provide further support as part its drive to help the local economy recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

• Exemplary support for local businesses continues

  Published on Friday 15 May 2020

  Harborough District Council has now shared out all of its allocated Government funding to local businesses – a total of over £19m – but is continuing to provide further grants which are needed.

• Council welcomes extra crisis funding for businesses

  Published on Thursday 7 May 2020

  Harborough District Council has welcomed the Government's announcement to provide up to an additional £617m to help small businesses across the UK who may not have qualified for earlier schemes.

• Council named in top 10 for crisis business support

  Published on Tuesday 28 April 2020

  Harborough District Council has been named as one of the ten best performing local authorities in England for getting urgent financial support to businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

• Businesses receive urgent financial support

  Published on Thursday 9 April 2020

  More than 550 businesses in the Harborough district, which have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, have already received a share of nearly £8m in emergency support.

• How working with the armed forces is benefiting business

  Published on Tuesday 17 March 2020

  Businesses and employers ‘joined forces’ at a district-wide event to hear how they can benefit hugely from working more closely with the armed forces community.

• Spend a 'fiver' and support your local shops

  Published on Monday 10 February 2020

  Hot on the heels of an inaugural campaign in October 2019, a host of local independent shops and businesses across Harborough District are taking part in their second Fiver Fest.

• Eye-catching signs at train station promote district

  Published on Tuesday 28 January 2020

  New nameplates have been unveiled at Market Harborough railway station to promote the Harborough District as a great place to live, work and visit.

• Early bird tours excite local businesses at Harborough Grow-on Centre

  Published on Thursday 23 January 2020

  Visitors to Harborough Grow-on Centre (HGC) enjoyed a business breakfast tour, hosted by Harborough District Council, in partnership with lettings agent Andrew Granger & Co, on 22 January 2020.

• Harborough Grow-on Centre gets creative

  Published on Wednesday 22 January 2020

  Visitors being given an eagerly-awaited tour of new commercial offices in the Harborough district also got a glimpse of some eye-catching artwork on show at the centre.

• Counting down to the Christmas Light Switch On and Winter Food and Drink Festival

  Published on Tuesday 19 November 2019

  Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual Christmas Light Switch On and start of a three-day Food and Drink Festival which kicks off later this week.

• Free December Saturday parking

  Published on Monday 4 November 2019

  As the Christmas season approaches, shoppers in Harborough District can ditch their change as there will be free parking at Council-owned car parks for the four Saturdays in December.

• BIG Weekend Returns for 2020

  Published on Monday 28 October 2019

  Harborough District Council is delighted to announce that the ‘BIG Weekend’ is returning to the Harborough district with even more venues set to host some top stand-up acts and comedy performances.

• Support the British Legion at Market Harborough Market

  Published on Thursday 17 October 2019

  Harborough District Council is delighted to welcome The Royal British Legion back to Harborough Market for the annual Poppy Appeal.

• Community Toilet Scheme comes to district

  Published on Monday 7 October 2019

  People will now be able to pop in and use toilet facilities in shops and cafes in the Harborough District as part of a new scheme helping to boost business and increase footfall.

• VE Day anniversary celebrations planned

  Published on Friday 4 October 2019

  To celebrate 75 years since VE Day, plans are underway to mark the occasion with exciting events and activities across the Harborough district.

• Food and drink businesses invited to get ‘Ready for Brexit’

  Published on Wednesday 2 October 2019

  Businesses across the Harborough district, in the food and drink sector, are being encouraged to attend an event to prepare them for Brexit.

• Boost local economy by spending a ‘fiver’

  Published on Monday 30 September 2019

  Local independent shops and businesses across Harborough District are taking part in an initiative to help boost the local economy.

• New £6.9million business centre supports growth

  Published on Monday 9 September 2019

  Harborough District Council (HDC) has appointed Andrew Granger & Co Ltd to manage lettings at the new Harborough Grow On Centre (HGOC) at Compass Point Business Park in Market Harborough.

• New business centre officially named

  Published on Friday 6 September 2019

  A new office development which will help expanding businesses develop and prosper has been officially named.

• Local company supports popular tourist attraction for the day

  Published on Thursday 29 August 2019

  Volunteers were out in force at Foxton Locks on Friday as part of a pilot initiative encouraging businesses to help out in the community.

• Have your say on Market Harborough’s future

  Published on Wednesday 28 August 2019

  People are being invited to have their say on the future of Market Harborough town centre at a drop-in event being held in September.

• New train station posters showcase town

  Published on Wednesday 7 August 2019

  Eye-catching posters have been introduced at Market Harborough train station highlighting some of town’s assets and attractions.

• Grow on Space project praised as ‘exceptional’

  Published on Thursday 25 July 2019

  The Grow On Space office construction project, in Market Harborough, has been praised as ‘exceptional’ in a new report.

• Harborough Innovation Centre update

  Published on Tuesday 23 July 2019

  Harborough District Council and the Chair of the Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC) Strategy Board held a productive meeting on Friday 19 July 2019 with the businesses at the HIC concerning occupancy.

• Council offers flexibility to Innovation Centre occupants

  Published on Friday 12 July 2019

  Harborough District Council will offer more time and flexibility to long-stay occupants of the Innovation Centre to ensure they can relocate to suitable office space.

• Cemetery restoration investment

  Published on Friday 28 June 2019

  New railings have been unveiled at Market Harborough cemetery after much-needed renovations were carried out to improve the look of the area.

• All revved up for popular Classic Car Show

  Published on Friday 21 June 2019

  Market Harborough’s Classic Car Show is back and bigger than ever – with fun for all the family and more than 200 vintage vehicles set to line the streets.

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  Tourism boost with new website and tourism guide

  Published on Thursday 13 June 2019

  Showcasing the Harborough district’s unique tourism offer is the focus of a new website and handy guide being launched this week.

• New era for district’s Innovation Centre

  Published on Wednesday 15 May 2019

  Harborough Innovation Centre, which provides office space to new businesses in the Harborough district, is to be managed by the Council from 1 July 2019.

• Vintage poster for classic car show unveiled

  Published on Monday 15 April 2019

  The new vintage style poster for this year’s Market Harborough Classic Car Show has been unveiled.

• Cheese and Ale Festival heading to Harborough district

  Published on Wednesday 3 April 2019

  The finest cheeses and ales will be on offer as a new Cheese and Ale Festival heads to the Harborough district this month.

• Vintage vehicles needed for classic car show

  Published on Wednesday 6 March 2019

  It’s back and set to be bigger than ever! Market Harborough’s hugely popular Classic Car Show returns this year and car enthusiasts are being encouraged to register their vintage vehicles.

• Creating work opportunities for school leavers

  Published on Wednesday 6 March 2019

  Bringing schools and businesses together to create recruitment, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities was the aim of a business skills event held this week.

• Time to ‘Invest in Harborough District’

  Published on Friday 1 March 2019

  A major initiative has been launched to showcase the Harborough District as a key location for businesses to invest, expand and prosper.

• Ceremony marks milestone for ‘Grow on Space’ project

  Published on Tuesday 22 January 2019

  A special ceremony to mark a major milestone during the creation of an innovative new building for growing businesses has taken place.

• Successful bid generates extra £14m for city and county

  Published on Monday 17 December 2018

  Major plans to unlock an extra £14m for public services across Leicester and Leicestershire have been given the thumbs up.

• Exciting Grow on Space project progressing well

  Published on Friday 7 December 2018

  A major project set to create around 230 jobs and bring £20million into the local economy in the Harborough district is progressing well.

• District shines at tourism awards

  Published on Friday 30 November 2018

  Local businesses and the town of Market Harborough have won at the prestigious Leicestershire Promotions 2018 Tourism & Hospitality Awards, held on Thursday 29 November 2018 in Leicester.

• Local venues to host major comedy talent

  Published on Thursday 1 November 2018

  A major comedy festival is coming to the Harborough district with local venues set to host some top stand-up acts.

• Grow on Space gets green light

  Published on Tuesday 16 October 2018

  A major project to help businesses expand and grow – set to bring £20million into the Harborough district economy – is set to be created after funding was secured.

• Popular French market returns

  Published on Monday 15 October 2018

  The much loved French and Continental market featuring larger than life traders is set to return to Market Harborough after the success of last year's visit.

• October Fest returns to Market Harborough this weekend

  Published on Tuesday 9 October 2018

  The eagerly anticipated October Fest returns to Market Harborough this weekend, featuring a ‘World Village Market’ on the Town Square.

• MP (and PM!) focused on Lutterworth business

  Published on Friday 14 September 2018

  A special event, focused on boosting businesses in Lutterworth took place on Friday – and even the Prime Minister got to hear about it!

• Free digital tips boosting local retailers’ sales

  Published on Tuesday 21 August 2018

  Local retailers are being offered expert tips – for free – on how to boost sales and awareness of their business using the internet and social media.

• MP event gets to heart of business

  Published on Monday 23 July 2018

  People got to hear the latest on how the business landscape is evolving, as well as some of the challenges it faces, at the special event held in the district.

• Business and its apprentices inspire others

  Published on Monday 21 May 2018

  A village business which has helped apprentices take their first steps into the world of work is hoping to inspire others to follow suit.

• Love Your Local Market

  Published on Wednesday 9 May 2018

  Harborough District Council is urging everyone to show their local market and its traders a little love during Love Your Local Market fortnight.

• Innovative loyalty app to boost local retailers and tourism

  Published on Wednesday 2 May 2018

  Local retailers and tourist attractions are being offered free digital support – including the launch of a pioneering loyalty app and help with social media – to help boost their footfall.

• Lutterworth event will help business start ups

  Published on Wednesday 18 April 2018

  Entrepreneurs looking to start their own business can attend a free masterclass in Lutterworth to get some advice on how to do it.

• Dragon Slaying at Harborough Market

  Published on Tuesday 17 April 2018

  Harborough District Council is inviting people in the district to visit Harborough Market on Saturday 21 April 2018 for a family-friendly St George's Day performance.

• Small business commissioner visits district for first time

  Published on Wednesday 28 March 2018

  The Government’s newly-elected Small Business Commissioner joined local businesses at a special breakfast event this week to talk about his role and how he can help.

• Vote for Market Harborough in the Great British High Street awards

  Published on Thursday 27 October 2016

  Market Harborough has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Great British High Street awards in the ‘Large Market Town’ category.

• Food for Thought at Harborough Market

  Published on Thursday 17 September 2015

  Harborough Market is offering shoppers the chance to win 50 x £5 market shopping vouchers via their local press to spend during British Food Fortnight.

• Businesses urged to take up better broadband offer

  Published on Friday 7 August 2015

  Businesses across Harborough district are being urged to take the offer of help to get faster broadband as part of a local voucher scheme.

• Business Continuity Awareness Week

  Published on Monday 16 March 2015

  Agencies across Leicestershire are supporting this year’s Business Continuity Awareness Week to help businesses prepare themselves in the event of a significant or unexpectected incident or event.

• New pension laws affecting local businesses

  Published on Monday 9 March 2015

  Local businesses are being urged to attend a FREE event offering advice on important new pension obligations affecting all employers.

• Funding to provide apprenticeship opportunities

  Published on Thursday 5 March 2015

  Move over Lord Sugar, the district council is looking to take on apprenticeships and is encouraging other organisations and businesses to do the same.

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