Free training service for the region's tourism and leisure industry

A free training needs service for North-Eastern Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the fields of tourism and leisure is available for the first time, from the University of Teesside's School of Business & Management. The Tourism Training Needs Analysis service, is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and available to SMEs in the Tees Valley area, Darlington, Durham, and from Newcastle-upon-Tyne up to Alnwick.

With the service, SMEs complete a detailed questionnaire, which is analysed and followed by a brief interview. A report will be presented to the business, looking at future training needs and giving practical advice about how to meet them. The service is headed by Project Co-ordinator Claire Wellings and Project Officer Paul Vance. Both have wide experience of the tourist industry.

Paul said: "The service can be taken up by a wide range of tourist related businesses. SMEs in this field have various demands, so we have tailored the service so it only takes about two hours of their time, although more can be given if needed. Not only is the service free, it's also flexible, as we don't work solely within office hours. This will fit in with businesses' diverse schedules. We want this service to help tourism firms expand and improve, at a time when the European Union has stressed the importance of tourism as a contributor to regional economic regeneration."

Firms have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for this service, the main ones are; no more than 250 employees and less than 25m annual turnover.

For more details contact Paul Vance on 01642 342904, fax 01642 342889, e-mail tourismtna@tees.ac.uk

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