Staff Training Boosts Productivity

beRecruitment Limited, a Manchester-based recruitment agency, is advising employers that the right staff training is vital for business success.

The advice follows recent research1 that showed a 5% increase in training delivered a 4% increase in labour productivity. Whatís more, as the ëbackbone of the UK economyí2, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will especially benefit from an increase in employeesí skills and qualifications.

According to Carole Fossey, Managing Director of beRecruitment Limited and governing council member of Manchester Chamber of Commerce, employers need to invest far more time and effort in staff training. Carole explains: ìIt is particularly important for managers of SMEs to go back to their business plan and see what skills are needed to increase profitability.

ìThere are many training options available, so choosing the right course or programme for employees can be tricky. It is often helpful to ask for advice on these matters from local trade associations, skills councils, or local chambers of commerce.î

In fact, there are several things to consider before selecting the best choice of training. Below is a short checklist of points to consider:

Is the training fit for the companyís purpose?
Is it cost-effective i.e. will it improve profitability?
Is it held at a time and place that fits in with the business?
Is it free or can the costs be shared with other businesses?

There are many options available to employers besides sending staff on a course; it is also worth considering some of the following suggestions:

Use a consultant or training provider to give tailored, in-house instruction to meet your business needs

Send one member of staff for training and then use them to ëcascadeí their skills to the rest of the team

Use on-line learning or distance learning via the National Grid for Learning or Learndirect

Arrange a secondment or loan with a business whose skills you require, which can be organised through your local Chamber of Commerce or British Junior Chamber

Look for local further or higher education courses tailored to meet your business needs

Use training provided though local business networks such as the local Learning Skills Council, Small Business Service, Trade Associations, Sector Skills Councils, Chambers of Commerce or Business Link

Take advice from intermediaries such as bank managers and accountants

For basic skills, such as numeracy and literacy, use the Department for Education and Skillsí Employer Toolkit3

beRecruitment is a successful Manchester-based recruitment agency offering tailor made recruitment for the following industries: recruitment, sales, marketing, telemarketing, call centres, customer services, IT, Legal, secretarial and administration. It has recently launched beTemps, specialising in recruiting temporary staff. For more information visit: