Local employers invest in training through The Enhancement Fund to improve business performance

29/06/2010

Yorkshire and Humber Businesses praise valuable funding intervention

The region’s largest business support package, The Skills Enhancement Fund, is enabling over 9000 businesses and 79,000 employees in the region to access
training.

A recent independent survey commissioned by the Skills Funding Agency highlighted that the Enhancement Fund has made a significant impact on many of the region’s
businesses.

In research conducted by Ekosgen 300 companies said investing in training with the help of the Enhancement Fund has brought improvements in key areas such as
productivity and retention. Individuals who had undertaken various elements of training were also surveyed and satisfaction rates were said to be ‘universally high’.

Over a third of those questioned have already embarked on or have decided to start another training course after engaging with the Fund. The Fund aims to improve the region’s skills base by offering help towards training costs for employers who are not eligible for funding from other existing sources. It is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF), the Skills Funding Agency and Yorkshire Forward and managed by Calderdale College.

Principal of Calderdale College, Chris Jones said “The Enhancement Fund is playing a major role in maintaining and improving business competitiveness in Yorkshire and
The Skills Enhancement Fund Humber. Our role is to support all partners in ensuring business gets the training and skills development it needs.”

Ruth Adams, Assistant Director of Skills at Yorkshire Forward, said: “By improving the skills of its employees, a business is investing not only in the career of that employee but also in the future of the business itself.

“It’s vital that we provide a means of helping businesses and individuals get the training they need to fulfil their roles, and by making it easy to access training we’re
ensuring that those same businesses and individuals are operating to the highest possible standards.”

Further information about the Enhancement Fund is available from the Business Link customer information centre on 08456 048 048 or contact the Enhancement Fund team on 01422 399339. Details are also available at www.enhancementfund.co.uk.