Start a new saving habit in 2019 and get a 50% boost

ALMOST 12,000 people in the North West have signed up to the Government's new saving account, 'Help to Save,' depositing over ₤1,250,000. A new tool in the HMRC app is available which lets savers set their own savings goals and personal reminders, to keep on track and maximise bonuses. The account offers working people on lower incomes a 50% bonus, with 'Help to Save' rewarding savers with an extra 50p for every ₤1 saved. In a 4 year period a maximum saving of ₤2,400 would result in an overall bonus of ₤1,200. Help to Save is easy to use, flexible and secure, and will help those on lower incomes build up a 'rainy day' fund, and encourage savings behaviours and habits. How much is saved and when is up to the account holder, and they don't need to pay in every month to get a bonus.

John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said:- "The new year is a good time to start getting into the habit of saving, and with Help to Save you'll get a massive 50% boost from the Government.  Whether you are saving for a family break, putting money away for a rainy day, or even saving for next Christmas, Help to Save is designed to make saving as simple as possible. And with the new version of the app, which can be personalised to help you make the most of your bonus, it's easier than ever."

'Help to Save' is available to working people on Tax Credits and Universal Credit.  Account holders can save between ₤1 and ₤50 every calendar month and accounts last for 4 years from the date the account is opened. After 2 years, savers get a 50% tax free bonus on the highest balance they've achieved. If they continue saving they could receive another 50% tax free bonus after a further 2 years. On maximum savings of ₤2,400 over 4 years, the overall bonus would be ₤1,200. To check eligibility and apply, savers can visit:- Gov.UK/HelpToSave or use the HMRC app.  More information on Help to Save can be found here: Get help with savings if you're on a low income (Help to Save)

Metro Mayor Continues Commitment to Apprenticeships

LIVERPOOL City Region Combined Authority has worked with local training provider, Sysco Business Skills Academy, to recruit and train another apprentice for the office of the Metro Mayor at Mann Island. Vanessa Brammah, 18, from the Wirral, was chosen from a strong field of applicants to fill the role of Business Administration Apprentice in the Metro Mayor's Office and complete a Business Administrator Apprenticeship Level 3 Standard with Sysco Business Skills Academy. Vanessa is the second apprentice to undertake a unique learning experience with the Metro Mayor's Office, since Steve Rotheram's election in May 2017, as part of his commitment to recruit a new apprentice each year. Lucy Clark, the previous Metro Mayor's Office apprentice, has now taken up a full time role in the Metro Mayor's Office, and also embarked on a higher-level apprenticeship with Sysco Business Skills Academy.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "As a former apprentice myself, I know what a great route into working life apprenticeships offer and that is why I've been keen to offer apprenticeship opportunities. Lucy and Vanessa have both proven to be valuable additions to our team. I've also been working hard to improve apprenticeship provision across the City region, which is why we have created 5,500 apprenticeships, introduced ½ price bus travel for apprentices, and invested ₤30 million in improving facilities at 40 schools and colleges."

If you would like to find out more about how you can make the apprenticeship programme work for your business, you can call Sysco Business Skills Academy's information line on:- 0151 236 1748 or via sending an email.  Alternatively, the Liverpool City Region skills team offer impartial advice and can be contacted on:- 0151 330 1270 or via email.