West of England businesses handed £500k boost in apprenticeship funding

Businesses in the West of England have received a half a million-pound pledge from Lloyds Banking Group. 

In National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), Lloyds Banking Group has committed its surplus Apprenticeship Levy to the Network’s #ShareToSupport fund, which is supported by the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA). The fund enables larger employers to support job creation and progression opportunities in the region by funding training for SMEs. 

Lloyds Banking Group’s pledge was made possible by rules in the Apprenticeship Levy that allow large employers to share some of their training funds with smaller companies. 

The commitment will help cover the costs of apprenticeships and help combat skills shortages across the West of England. Recent Business Barometer data from Lloyds Banking Group shows a real willingness by South West businesses to invest in their workforces. Over a third of employers in the region were looking to invest in their teams, with nearly a quarter planning to invest in training. 

Lloyds Banking Group’s commitment to the #ShareToSupport fund comes as the number of apprentices in the Bank’s Bristol-based HQ recently grew to over 100, across programmes including software engineering, data analytics and HR. In 2025, that number is set to grow even further with over 30 apprenticeship roles being recruited at their Harbourside hub.

Amanda Dorel, Regional Director, Bristol and South Region SME at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Like so many other businesses up and down the country, employers in the South West continue to come up against the challenges posed by skills shortages. Unlocking skills development is a vital step in setting more businesses up for future success and delivering greater economic growth for the region.

“As the lifeblood of our economy, we need to make sure that our local SMEs have the resources and funding they need to invest in the skills that will help them thrive. That’s why, as part of our commitment to helping Britain prosper, we’re working with partners like Western Training Provider Network and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, to ensure that local businesses have the resources and expertise they need to grow.”

Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England said: “I’m thrilled that Lloyds Banking Group has pledged half a million pounds to fund training and apprenticeships in our region. This latest funding secured for the West of England means that £7.4 million has now been committed to our Share to Support scheme for smaller businesses to invest in workers. This is fantastic news for local employers and jobseekers alike, helping to ensure that funding raised here stays here, where it makes the biggest difference.

“If other big firms have unspent apprenticeship levy funds then I encourage them to follow Lloyds’ lead and invest it in our regional fund – helping the West of England thrive.”

One business that has been able to grow with the support of Western Training Provider Network’s #ShareToSupport fund is Bristol care agency, Premier Care Management. The agency, which specialises in supporting vulnerable young adults and children received £126,000 from the Network, helping to provide 21 apprenticeships. This investment has significantly boosted Premier Care Management’s team, enabling them to help even more children and young adults who have experienced issues such as poor mental health or substance misuse.

Hayley Williams, Business Director at Premier Care Management said: “The support from the #ShareToSupport fund is enabling our staff at Premier Care Management to achieve new qualifications and deliver quality support to our young people with various needs. Having the funding will allow the business to grow and has been an important investment in our team.”

Alex Richards Managing Director at Western Training Provider Network said: “We can see the impact of Lloyds Banking Group’s pledge already, with the boost to apprenticeships training in our care sector. Ensuring staff supporting our most vulnerable residents are able to access quality training through apprenticeships. Such a critical sector to support. If you are a large employer looking to make a similar pledge to support the region, or are an SME seeking free, impartial apprenticeships advice and support, Western Training Provider Network is here to help.”