Skills Gateway service to boost Greater Manchester’s businesses

The launch of Skills Gateway promises to boost the economy of Greater Manchester by improving businesses’ use of training as a way to achieve growth and improve productivity.

Greater Manchester is the first region to use European funding (through the European Social Funding Skills Support for the Workforce programme) to develop a new, free skills service for the region’s businesses.

The Skills Gateway, backed by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN), will allow business to access a pool of over 250 training providers, identifying the providers with the most appropriate experience, services and success rates for each business.

This independent service promises to improve the reputation of training as a tool for business growth and efficiency, placing emphasis on training and training providers that deliver a tangible return on investment.

Angie Took, operations manager of Skills Gateway, said: “Our service will put that right for businesses in Greater Manchester, helping more organisations and workers to achieve their full potential, by making it easy to access training that works for your business.”

Louise Timperley, head of skills and employment at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said: “Investment in skills drives the future growth and productivity of our local economy. Skills Gateway will encourage more businesses to access effective training and use skills’ development as a vital tool for growth. As a result it will benefit the region’s economy, helping to increase competitiveness and productivity across all sectors.”

The Skills Gateway can be accessed by businesses online (www.gmskillssgateway.co.uk), by phone (0161 817 5007) or email (gateway@gmskillsgateway.co.uk).

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