smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Small- and medium-sized firms in London and Bristol can now get training in information technology for free, thanks to funding from the respective Learning & Skills Councils.

The London Development Agency and the Learning & Skills Council West of England, along with the European Social Fund, are providing funds to internet retailer Internet Exchange, enabling it to offer free IT certification to all London SMEs and 75 Bristol SMEs. This includes all firms with less than 250 employees in London and less than 225 employees in Bristol.

The scheme is designed to encourage small firms to develop IT skills in applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Office, as well as the more advanced Microsoft Professional Certificate. It is hoped that having these abilities in-house will lessen the need to employ expensive outside contractors.

The training can be undertaken at any of the participating Internet Exchange stores or online from the employer’s office or the employee’s home. Online tutors are available 24 hours a day and in-store trainers available 6 days a week.

James Golfar, Training Director for Internet Exchange said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for London and Bristol businesses. IT training is normally a major expense for any company, especially small businesses and start-ups, but now they have the opportunity to get professional training for their staff at absolutely no cost to themselves.”

London companies wishing to take part in the scheme should contact Marcin Lai on 0800-917 5425. In Bristol, the scheme is open to the first 75 to register by calling Laura Bozzo on 0117-929 8026.

(15/9/03)

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