Training in SMEs - what the research says

There are currently around 3.9 million SMEs in the UK, representing 95% of UK enterprises. 94 per cent of firms with one to 49 employees provide job-specific training, rising to 99 per cent for firms with 50 to 199 employees. 

Key issues:
-          Training must deliver direct benefits to business performance
-          Must be delivered locally and flexibly
-          Must be cost effective
-          Preferred methods include:
o        On the job training
o        Mentoring by senior staff members
o        Knowledge sharing between groups of employees
 
Employers concerned about the quality of training tend to
cite three main factors:
 
-          Trainers don’t understand the reality of business
-          The content of training courses is not focused on meeting the needs of my business
-          Training provision is rarely provided at a time and place that suits the business and employee’
 
 

SMEs are seen as the regenerator of neglected and run-down neighbourhoods and the developer of new and flexible hi-tech applications and solutions that can be sold internationally.

"SMEs are the generators of new jobs and the cradle of new industries that will create the wealth of the 21st century."

 

In 1999-2000 most SMEs felt the strongest pressure to introduce major changes in the following areas:

 

Products/services                        21.9%

Marketing/sales                           17.6%

Communications/information         15.4%

Organisation/staff                         13.1%

 

Advizory does not offer 'off-the-shelf' training packages, but works with business owners and their teams to help bring a new perspective to business problems that will deliver long-term solutions.

For a confidential, no obligation conversation about your business contact Yolanda on 020 8765 1616 or yolanda(at)advizory.com

Source: CBI, Informality Works and 2005 CBI Employment Trends Survey 2