A TRAINING business, which aims to improve staff performance, has been set up in Chineham.

SkillSearcher, run by managing director Oliver Polhill, offers a free and independent service which identifies skills gaps and training requirements for businesses.

Oliver said: “SkillSearcher is a new business set up to advise companies on funding available for training.

“The service we offer is free and independent and can help a business improve bottom line performance by sourcing the best quality courses, identifying funding opportunities and taking away the time and hassle associated with sourcing good quality training.”

With over 10 years’ experience in the training industry, Oliver is well-placed to be able to offer valuable support and advice when it comes to developing people in line with the requirements of their job role.

Oliver, whose company receives a fee from the training companies he refers clients to, said: “In these still challenging economic times, never has it been more important to ensure that staff are performing to their full potential.

“However, sourcing training can often be a bit hit and miss, with lots of people resorting to internet searches and phone directory research to find an important course.

“We take away that uncertainty to make sure that you get a course that’s fit-for-purpose and which delivers the results you need, within an affordable budget.”

SkillSearcher offers expert advice on grants available to fund training, including over 500 apprenticeships and NVQ qualifications.

Among the first clients to use SkillsSearcher is Basing Cycles, based in Winchester Street, Basingstoke.

Proprietor Bryan Avory said: “I met with Oliver from SkillSearcher as I was keen to look at ways of developing my staff to help improve their performance in their roles.

“Oliver helped us look at the options available and we chose a Retail Skills course for one of my employees, Phil.

“The qualification is being delivered by one of the best training providers in the country and it didn’t cost us a penny – I can’t recommend SkillSearcher enough.

“Phil is learning more about the merchandising side of the business, developing sales and our retail website.”

The course which is run by Weir Training, got the thumbs up from Phil Wellard. He said: “I’m enjoying it and learning some skills which I’m finding useful.”