Train your staff
A business is only as good as its staff. The skills and knowledge of your staff make the company what it is. The more employees learn and update their knowledge, the higher their motivation, confidence and productivity. In addition, companies with a healthy training culture have reported various overall benefits including: improved quality of goods and services, greater staff commitment and improved morale, less wastage and reduced insurance premiums.
A proactive training culture is important because it means that the skills of your staff are formally recognised and that your employees feel that their contribution to the company is valued.
Our favourite links
businesslink.gov.uk Learn about skills and training on the Business Link website. There's also some useful information about motivating your employees
cipd.co.uk The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is the professional body for those involved in the management and development of people. Its website has lots of practical information on learning and development
investorsinpeople.co.uk Investors in People provides a framework for organisations committed to improving their business through their employees. There's also a Scottish branch: iipscot.co.uk
lsc.gov.uk The Employer's Guide to Training Providers has been developed by the Learning and Skills Council to help businesses choose the right training provider for their needs.
Other useful links
dfes.gov.uk The Department for Education and Skills has a useful questions and answers section on qualifications and employee training.
freshbusinessthinking.comAn online resouce for entrepreneurs where can source information and advice to help you run your business more effectively and efficientlyinvest-ni.com Invest Northern Ireland offers people development programmes which can help you improve the competence and motivation of your employees.
learndirect-business.co.uk Learndirect Business provides a range of products and services designed to help you improve the skills of your workforce.
makeyourmarkconnect.org Networking is a great way for employees to build skills, knowledge and contacts. Browse our Make Your Mark Connect website to find networking groups and events near you.
ssda.org.uk The Sector Skills Council for your area of business should be able to help you understand more about the training and development needs of your employees.
traintogain.gov.uk The Learning and Skills Council's Train to Gain initiative aims to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. A Skills Broker works with you to establish your business' precise needs, and then pinpoints the right training opportunities - as well as helping you to find funding for the training.
ukstandards.org Occupational standards describe the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a particular job or task to a nationally recognised level of competence. The Occupational Standards Directory can be a useful reference when it comes to recruiting, developing and evaluating your employees.
workrelationships.co.uk How should you deal with pushy colleagues, arrogant managers and timid employees? This site offers great advice on what to do in any situation.