Businesses who want their supervisory and management staff to swim rather than sink are being urged to dive into the 'training pool', a new website launched today (Tuesday 26th September) by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network.

The new site, www.thetrainingpool.com, provides firms in the Inner Moray Firth area with information on high quality, locally delivered management training products, which will help develop staff and skills.

Developed and managed by INE and the area's leading training providers, with input from over 80 local businesses, the website allows those seeking training to dip or dive into the 'training pool' depending on the level of information or training needed. The site also allows people to fill out a personal profile, which will highlight the specific training the individual requires, and identify suitable courses and training providers.

The range of courses on offer through the facility will be diverse and it is anticipated that the website will eventually become sectoral as it develops. Although the initial emphasis of the 'training pool' is on short convenient courses designed to deliver core skills, it is hoped that more information and a wider variety of courses from one-day introductory events to full degrees will be on offer.

Skills development manager at INE, Rhona Fraser has been appointed to manage the project and for those firms who prefer a more personal approach, is available via a free phone number, tel: 0800 389 0888, to help businesses identify and source appropriate training.

Head of Skills Development at INE, Ian Fraser said: "During the course of our research we discovered there was an unsatisfied demand for supervisory and management training in the local area. Companies wishing to offer management and supervisory staff formal off-the-job training were having to send employees to Glasgow or London, at considerable expense to the business.

"However, the 'training pool' gathers together the resources of a wide variety of training providers and where possible we hope to deliver the courses from our dedicated training and learning centre in The Green House at Beechwood Business Park.

"This website is essentially a communication tool between INE, training providers and local businesses and could eventually be extended to other parts of the HIE network."

Companies in and around Inverness have welcomed the new facility. Sheila Barnie of GA Barnie said: "It is great that INE consulted the industry before designing the website and they have taken onboard our feedback. The facility they have created will help develop the skills of those moving into management and those who have been there for some time but would like further training."

INE chief executive Bill Sylvester said: "Developing skills is a key priority for INE and the 'training pool' will be a valuable addition to the facilities and programmes we already have in place.

"Formal training for managers and supervisors will increase the level of management expertise locally which will further enhance the quality of the workforce in the Highlands. This highly trained, dedicated workforce could in turn attract more inward investment to the area."