Training

In this challenging climate, investing in skills is even more important than before in terms of increasing the competitiveness of your business - your staff are one of your greatest assets and could be the key to retaining customers and keeping your business running. Training is important to their personal development and the productivity of your business, so don't be tempted to scrap your training plan because finances are tight.

New - Train to Gain grants

Through the Leadership and Management Advisory Service from Train to Gain, access to a grant of up to £1,000 is now available to fully capitalise on your capabilities and talents as a business leader.

To be eligible you will need to:

·employ between 5 and 249 people

·contribute £500 to make £1,500 available for leadership and management development

·undertake skills review to confirm your requirements

Please contact Train to Gain direct on 0845 751 2288 or e-mail info@traintogainse.co.uk for further information about this grant.

General helplines/advice

Train to Gain  can provide support and guidance to business on skills development.

Train to Gain Enquiry Line

0800 015 55 45

Investors in People Information Line

020 7467 1946

Business Link Helpline

0845 6009 006

DirectGov guide to apprenticeships

Jobcentre Plus Recruitment Services - Free support for businesses is available to retain and recruit the right people. From the Vacancy Advertising Service reaching millions of candidates to Local Employment Partnerships working with employers to understand your recruitment and training needs and access the appropriate assistance to help your business grow and prosper.

Next: What the Council is doing to help