Carmen Watson, Chair of Pertemps Network Group, has called on the 350 employers at the Midlands Economic Summit to invest in future talent.

Speaking at the summit, Carmen discussed that while economic cycles have always been a feature of business life, the rise of artificial intelligence and the decline of traditional entry-level opportunities present a more fundamental challenge for employers.

Carmen said; "Businesses cannot simply wait for the market to correct itself. They must act now, create opportunity and see it through."

The message formed part of a wider discussion at the summit about how businesses can respond to rapid technological change while maintaining opportunities for those entering the labour market.

She emphasised that investing in young people is both a social responsibility and a commercial necessity, particularly as organisations adapt to new technologies and changing workforce demands.

Catherine Brown, Director of Pertemps, who also spoke at the summit, explored that although many routine tasks can now be automated, organisations still need to invest in trainee and entry-level roles if they are to develop the skilled workforce they will require in the years ahead.

Without a steady pipeline of young talent entering the workplace, businesses risk creating future skills shortages and limiting their ability to develop the next generation of leaders.

As one of the headline sponsors, Pertemps reaffirmed its commitment to supporting workforce development, connecting people with meaningful employment opportunities and helping businesses build sustainable talent pipelines for the future.