A Lancashire business leader has called for an injection of support in digital skills to harness millions of technology jobs expected to be created.

A Lancashire business leader has called for an injection of support in digital skills to harness millions of technology jobs expected to be created.

Mark Oulson-Jenkins, Executive Producer at video and television production agency, Studio RTR, said research showing 40% of the UK population lack digital skills put them at a huge disadvantage to those with the skills.

A study rom LinkedIn, the professional networking site, said that 150 million new technology jobs will be created in the next five years.

Studio RTR is sponsoring the Digital and Marketing Business of the Year category at this year’s Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, one of Lancashire’s leading business awards.

Mr Oulson-Jenkins said: “There has been a lot of talk about the UK being left behind if we do not address the shortage of digital skills and the rest of the world will be more than happy to take advantage.

“In the coming years there are going to be huge opportunities for people of all walks of life and there needs to be more support to help them realise their potential.

“We see stories every day of people who have changed careers using digital skills and no matter who you are, having these skills are something that can change your life for the better.”

More than 650 businesses from across Lancashire have entered the 19 prize categories up for grabs at The BIBAs this year.

Last week, the awards completed a special training session for its judges in preparation for the start of interviews which get underway next month.

The first categories to go in front of the panels on a virtual interview will be the Most Resilient Business of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year with eight finalists in each category.

The judging comes to an end on Friday, July 9 with the Innovative Business of the Year category.

For full details, visit the awards’ official website at www.thebibas.co.uk.