Small and medium businesses can now get help with the cost of training following the launch of a new £1 million skills hub.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has commissioned the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub to help support Staffordshire-based businesses from any sector.
The fund means businesses can receive up to 48 per cent of the cost of a training course up to the value of £5,000.
It has been devised by the Chamber after it won ESF funding to help bridge the skills shortage in the area.
Suzanne Quinn, project manager of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub, said: "Any business who uses equipment or employs one or more staff member should contact the Skills Hub to see how we can support them.
"During our needs analysis we can identify how a business can be improved through specialised training and then we’ll help to find and fund that course."
Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, added: "This is a great initiative open to all businesses in Staffordshire and we urge any business to get in touch to utilise this great opportunity."
To access the fund businesses will need to complete a needs analysis form with a member of the Skills Hub team.
Businesses can apply for funding for any bespoke course that is not currently funded elsewhere.
Training such as CRM courses, accountancy courses, specialised engineering courses and training on specific business machinery are all included.