Recently, I had a very interesting meeting with representatives of the Northamptonshire Schools & Business Alliance. It was good to discuss their plans for how local businesses and education providers and schools can work more proactively and closely together to give our young people the skills that they need to thrive and to improve opportunities beyond the curriculum. As we move forward and deal with the impacts of Coronavirus, it is vital that we take the time to develop innovative and joined-up thinking that can best serve every young person within our community to maximise their potential, and put us on the best possible footing to meet the skills needs of the future. That means genuinely levelling-up, drawing on a wide range of offers and expertise, and improving the life chances of the next generation by equipping them with the skills they will need to take on the jobs of the future and lead successful, fulfilled lives.