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Project helps small businesses invest in staff

A new project has been launched with the aim of helping small businesses in the Leeds City Region invest in developing the skills of their workforce.

The first of its kind in the region to be driven by the Leeds Local Enterprise Partnership skills priorities, the project, led by Leeds City College, is offering free support to small and medium enterprises and microbusinesses to help them enhance employees’ skills and develop their career prospects while driving up productivity.

The scheme is backed by the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and benefits from more than £10m of funding from the European Union and UK government, which is being made available through the Skills Funding Agency to finance training for people in employment.

Tom Keeney, regional director for Yorkshire and Humber for BT, who chairs the projects strategic group said: “99.5 per cent of businesses in the Leeds City Region employ less than 250 people - they are the engine of our economy.”

“Improving their employees’ skills will improve their businesses, create jobs and deliver growth and I urge every small business to get involved.”

Providing free support is one of the key benefits of the project which means employers can enjoy the benefits of trained staff without having to invest their own funds.

The project focusses on providing training to employees who are 19+ in SMEs and microbusinesses in a range of priority skill sectors including business & financial services, care, digital technology, education, health, life sciences logistics, low carbon industries manufacturing and retail.

A large network of specialist providers is on hand to deliver accredited training at Level 2 and Level 3, and for microbusinesses with up to 49 employees training can also be delivered to Level 4.

Along with accredited training, employers can benefit from expert advice and support including mentoring and coaching, succession planning, motivational workshops and employability skills development.

The project also offers the opportunity to develop new training and resources which meets the exact emerging business needs of employers across the region. Through the Local Response Fund, the project can work with employers to research & design bespoke support packages.

Project Manager at Leeds City College Jennie Beaumont said: “The College is delighted to be involved in taking an active role in supporting the continued growth of the Leeds City Region economy. We ask that companies who have a training or development need come forward and take advantage of this wonderful offer.”

Project Partnership Manager, Nat Lindo added “We are aware that only a third of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Leeds City Region access training and this is a real opportunity for more companies to come on board and take advantage of free training and address current skills gaps.”

To find out more about the Response Project, eligibility and how to access support please contact 0113 216 2064 or visit www.theresponse.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Response Project .