Big Businesses Declare Global Commitment to the UK's Skills

Honda, Siemens, Bentley and HSBC Sign up to Sponsor the World's Greatest Skills Competition

LONDON, April 12, 2011 - With the greatest skills show on earth just six months away, organisers
of WorldSkills London 2011 are delighted to announce that business
heavyweights Honda, Siemens, Bentley and HSBC have signed up as event
sponsors. They join industry leaders from Cisco to Crown Paints to pledge
their commitment to skills (www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) and
demonstrate the importance of investing in future talent.

WorldSkills London 2011 sponsors are championing skills (
www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) in sectors ranging from autobody
repair to web design, and their support will have a direct impact on both
competitors and the anticipated 150,000 visitors. By joining other leading
companies on a world stage and helping create opportunities for young people
to experience the important role skills (
www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) play in the UK economy, sponsoring
WorldSkills London 2011 offers a leadership role in developing the next
generation of skilled workers.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: "It's great news that by backing
WorldSkills (www.worldskillslondon2011.com/), some of our best firms
are helping us make the UK a beacon for technical and creative excellence."

As well as supporting the event either financially or through supplying
equipment - Cisco for example will be supplying IT systems for use in the
Competition - sponsors will also help address the problem posed by the five
million working-age Britons with no skills-based qualifications. WorldSkills
London 2011 (www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) will offer a fresh
perspective on careers and leave a legacy of young people inspired by how
skills shape our world.

Neil Fletcher, Head of the Honda Institute, commented:

"We're delighted to be involved with an event as big and exciting as
WorldSkills London 2011. At a time when skills are more important than ever
to our economy, business investment is vital to ensure that talented young
people in the UK have the chance to realise their potential."

Aidan Jones, Executive Director of WorldSkills London 2011
(www.worldskillslondon2011.com/), added:

"We appreciate that these are tight times for all businesses, but
demonstrating a global commitment to skills is vital. Therefore, we are
absolutely thrilled with the response we have had in terms of sponsorship so
far. We are confident that with the help of our sponsors and other
supporters, we will be able to deliver an event the UK can be truly proud
of."

Companies interested in sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 are encouraged
to visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com or email
sponsor@worldskillslondon2011.com, or call +44(0)207-429-2829

Companies interested in sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 are encouraged
to visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com or email
sponsor at worldskillslondon2011.com, or call +44(0)207-429-2829