Alongside funding and information resources, SMEs can further improve their position and business through various training and educational courses. From the latest management and economics ideas to tips on using the Internet and telecommunications products in your business operations, evening, correspondence or internet classes could well provide that extra boost to keeping your business on the front lines.

In the UK Check your local universities, county councils and the Department for education and skills   for information on available courses and funding around the UK. In the EU For information on EU policies, Training and  Education for Entrepreneurship contact: European Commission Enterprise Directorate-General Financing SMEs, entrepreneurs and innovators B – 1049 Brussels Fax: +322 296 62 78 email:   European Social Fund (ESF) programmes have a focus on supporting human resource development in SMEs. In 2000-2006, the ESF will contribute just under € 8,000 million to promote entrepreneurship across the EU. It will also allocate € 11,000 million to promote greater adaptability through, for example, more effective transfer of technology to SMEs and employee training.  Website: European Unit Department of Employment European Communities Branch ESF Unit - Level 1 Caxton House Tothill Street London SW1H 9NF Tel: 020 273 5032/5026 Fax: 0171 273 5540 Website: email:   Leonardo da Vinci Programme supporting projects dealing with the promotion of training for (mainly) SMEs. It also offers financial incentives exclusively for SMEs to take part in European exchange programmes of apprentices and people in continuing training. Website: Communications and Technology (ICT) and your business ICTs can improve your competitiveness. Whether you are experienced and advanced or just getting started, help and advice on technology is available: www.interforum.org - Helps British Business to trade electronically http://www.itwontbyte.com To help with getting your business on line www.technologymeansbusiness.org.uk   Tapping computers and the internet There are a number of businesses which provide computer training for all abilities. Some examples, but by no means an exhaustive list: www.computercourse.co.uk – tutor led course on a wide range of computer programs. www.learningtree.co.uk – this covers courses on all aspects of computer use. Customer services: 0800 282 353 www.freeskills.com – there are Best Training Centres all over the country. Contact: Sheryll Davey Tel: 01235 559000 Fax: 01235 554206 email: www.bcs-hci.org.uk – offers undergraduate, postgraduate and commercial courses in computing. Contact: Sue Tueton HCI Group Membership British Computer Society 1 Sandford Street Swindon SN1 1HJ email: Tel: 01793 417417 Fax: 01793 480270 www.keystar.co.uk – professional training company, geared towards business. www.keimos.co.uk – computer courses from basic skills to advance operations. Distance learning possible. www.affordabletraining.co.uk – self study multimedia computer training. For more places to look for computer training courses go to www.info-seek.co.uk and enter “Computer Training”. This will bring up several courses that can be compared on-line.