Businesses can voice their opinion at www.people1stsurveys.co.uk/hpttt and [email protected]. Both organisations believe that the merger will strengthen the representation of the sectors to government. It will also provide an opportunity for learning and skills development on both sides. Andrew Chivers, chair of GoSkills, commented on the plans: "I believe that a merger with People 1st offers the passenger transport sector a secure future. It ensures the continuation of progress made over the past ten years by all the team at GoSkills, raising skills within our industries and campaigning on their behalf." Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, added: "A merger will enrich the offerings across both of our sectors, allowing for a more integrated approach to skills development in areas of passenger transport and travel and tourism, closely aligned to hospitality and leisure. "These are areas where there is significant employer overlap and evident synergy between our organisations, particularly the need for customer service and leadership and management skills." The consultations are now taking place across all affected industries and both People 1st and GoSkills are keen to hear from employers. A final decision to merge will be made by the trustees of People 1st, the employer board of GoSkills and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) in mid-June.