There is up to £1000 to help develop your business leadership skills. The first £500 is available to managing directors, owner managers and company directors and is there for the taking, provided you are eligible. A further grant of £500 has to be match funded, and is available for any senior manager or the management team.

The money is accessed through Train to Gain on 08456 047047 or email LMAS@businesslinksw.co.uk . You can use it for training workshops, coaching, mentoring or online training. Although it is aimed at businesses employing 5  to 249 people, exceptions can be made. It is worth asking.

At a meeting last week, we were told that there has been very poor take up of this grant. If it is unused, then it will go back into the pot. Make use of it NOW or you may miss out.