THE chairman of the John Lewis Partnership met students and business leaders on Friday.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, the government appointed chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, visited St Helens Chamber to give firms more direct access to national business figures and politicians.

A round table discussion covered a variety of topics from the role of business in society to Brexit, skills shortages and politicians.

They also tackled the pressures of paying the living wage on business owners and skill shortages across a variety of industries.

Tracy Mawson, deputy chief executive at St Helens Chamber, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer St Helens business leaders an audience with influential people such as Sir Charlie Mayfield. He has had an extraordinary career at the top level of business.

“Sir Mayfield was refreshingly honest about the challenges facing the retail sector.

“His vision of a national mission to improve the productivity of UK businesses was very positive.”

Sir Mayfield began his career as an army officer and went on to become marketing manager for Lucozade brand in 1992.

He was knighted in 2013 for services to business.

Any senior business leaders who would welcome the opportunity to work more strategically with St Helens Chamber and attend future round table events should contact Tracy Mawson, at tracy.mawson@sthelenschamber.com.