New opportunities beckon says Lantra’s outgoing Chair

“These are exciting times for the environmental and land-based industries. I sense a real feeling of energy and determination to succeed amongst the increasingly hi-tech and professional micro businesses Lantra represents through skills provision, and here at Lantra we’re making sure we are reflecting that.”

The words of Lantra’s Chair Dr Gordon McGlone as he prepares to hand over the reigns of the Sector Skills Council after eight successful years at the helm. His reflective mood continues, “During my time as Chair, I’ve seen our sector develop enormously. Today we see more and more 21st Century competitive businesses, requiring high level skills, new knowledge and technologies. And Lantra is listening to its employers and championing them as essential to the UK economy in its talks with Governments. “And what’s even more encouraging is the sense of ambition out there – and that’s essential if our sector is to become a career of choice and not one of last resort. “So as Lantra begins the search for my successor as Chair, I hope he or she will share my thoughts for the future and will encourage people to value and take up the skills and development opportunities available to them to help their business succeed.” The Lantra of 2010 has changed considerably during Dr McGlone’s eight years as Chair. Successfully re-licensed by Government in 2009, the Sector Skills Council has a UK-wide remit covering 17 industries. So to best meet employers’ needs within the nations and devolved administrations, he introduced National Councils in each of the four nations, led by their own National Chair. “Our four National Chairs have already made an impact” he adds. “Lantra is tuned into its employers needs and these can vary in the different nations. So the National Chairs are on the spot, meeting with employers and businesses and feeding back their views to the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland Assembly and Westminster. It’s working well.” Lantra’s new Chair will officially succeed Dr McGlone at the turn of the year but is likely to start to become involved after this autumn. Dr McGlone explains, “There’s so much going on as Lantra positions itself for the future skills needs of its employers, that I’m keen to encourage my successor to get involved sooner rather than later. “There’s no doubt our 230,000 businesses will be seeing a dynamic new Lantra with an even closer relationship with our employers, geared up to succeed in meeting the needs of the 21st century businesses we represent. And this will include an exciting new Lantra website that I’m confident they will find invaluable. I’m sure my successor will want to feel part of that from the start. “ -ends- Issued by: Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 407. Notes to Editors: Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is seeking a new UK Chair and four trustees for its 15 member Board. Lantra anticipates they will have a strong background in the environmental, land-based or education sectors. The Lantra UK Chair promotes employer engagement, business development and skills enhancement across the sector and is now supported in the strategic development of Lantra’s goals by four National Chairs in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Lantra works with 230,000 businesses to champion the sector and encourage people to value and take up skills and development opportunities available to them, including pointing them towards funding opportunities for training and skills. Its 17 industries are made up of agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; land-based engineering; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing. Dr Gordon McGlone will have completed eight successful years in post in January 2011, when he plans to step down. If you would like to be considered for the Chair or Trustee positions, please log onto our website www.lantra.co.uk and click on About Us, Lantra Vacancies or call 02476 858423.

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