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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has described Jewellery Quarter charity Suited for Success – which helps unemployed people with interview skills and a suitable interview outfit – as a ‘one of the best projects of its kind in the UK’.

Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), visited Suited for Success at its Springhill base in September, where he met Chief Executive Patricia White and Chair of Trustees Susan Davies, and chatted to team members and volunteers.

Mr Street said:

Suited for Success is a real gem. It’s a remarkable charity, which is without doubt one of the best projects of its kind in the UK.

You only have to see how so many businesses from across the region support it, by donating perfect stock, to see how valued it is.

It was a huge pleasure to meet the team, hear about the work they do and sit in on some of the interview skills sessions.

The visit allowed me to see Suited for Success in action, from face-to-face and virtual interview coaching sessions to clients being dressed and styled for job interviews.

Mr Street also got the opportunity to speak to clients about the challenges they face to regain employment after the covid pandemic, and met a candidate signed up to the charity’s Stand Out employment project, which is being run part of the WMCA’s Job and Skills Academy.

Suited for Success is one of a number of agencies who will work with the WMCA to help hundreds of disadvantaged young people benefit from employment opportunities generated by next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Mr Street said:

The Commonwealth Games is already generating jobs and we are lucky to have partners such as Suited for Success who can really help people take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

It was brilliant to spend a morning with them, to see just what a difference they are making to so many lives.

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