Chief executive calls for improved start up training

The Government should introduce a national training scheme that provides better support for people who are starting up in business, according to the chief executive of the International Association of Book-keepers (IAB).

Malcolm Trotter suggests introducing a national enterprise learning scheme that would provide training and support for those setting up an enterprise. He told BAD News: "There's nothing that captures the imagination for starting a business, like there is for Apprenticeships for young people. People are aware of the [Apprenticeship] brand but there's nothing like that for people starting a business. If there was a catchy programme title and it was national then it could communicate what training is available."

He suggests that an enterprise learning scheme should be given priority for funding. Such a scheme would provide a standard level of training, which would then be tailored to the individual needs of each start up.

Mr Trotter added that there is currently a problem with awareness, which means that many small business owners do not know what support is available. He said: "I'm always amazed by the inconsistency between regions, in terms of what's available and the funding available. The Government has regionalised the funding so that it's down to the regions to decide how training for small businesses is funded. Also, it's about accessibility to business support and awareness. A lot of people setting up in business don't realise what is available to them, whether that's Government-funded or support they've got to pay for."

For more information on the IAB go to:
www.iab.org.uk

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