Subsidised training to help Harrogate businesses

Harrogate businesses can receive 40% funding towards training to help up-skill staff to help survive the pandemic.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the district are encouraged to take advantage of Higher Performing Workplaces (HPW), funded by the European Social Fund and managed by the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges.

Official training provider, Harrogate Business Advisors, is part of the HPW scheme with a focus to help businesses drive their sales activity.

With many businesses closed or semi-operational in lockdown, Harrogate Business Advisors urge that now is the time to train and upskill staff.

Peter Dickinson, MD of Harrogate Business Advisors, said: “Businesses need to urgently improve the skills and productivity of their workforce to survive, and ultimately bounce back, from the pandemic. It really is survival of the fittest. A business’s strength depends on its staffs’ skills and talent in a fast-moving market.”

Peter said: “I’ve helped a Harrogate business to go from start-up to £2.2M turnover in one year. Business owners usually bring us in when they are facing a drop in business or their growth plans are not being achieved quickly enough, which is more prevalent in the pandemic. We swiftly identify the issues and put plans in place to drive sales forward, with tailored training for salespeople.”

An accredited sales trainer and speaker for Go Giver International, Peter Dickinson has 15 years’ experience assisting accelerated business growth, often using subsidised funding to provide a greater return on investment.

Peter said: “I specialise in coaching and mentoring business leaders to drive sales activity and ultimately double revenue and profit. The HPW training is designed to be results-driven by developing internal talent.”

Harrogate Busines Advisor is the only training provider in Harrogate delivering the official scheme, with a focus on Sales. Other HPW training is available on re-skilling in areas including HR and Leadership.

Only SMEs in the Harrogate, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield or York district are eligible for the subsidised training. The focus is on but not limited to sectors in Creative, Digital, Finance, Business, Hospitality, Tourism, Low Carbon, Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Medical Technology, Transport and Logistics.

Peter added: “Harrogate is known for its innovative, independent business spirit and as a home to global brands, but we’ve been hit hard by lockdowns, with many businesses needing to pivot to survive. It’s vital we increase the skills levels in our local community.”

Harrogate Business Advisors has helped hundreds of business owners, creating millions in profit and hundreds of new jobs across the district.