A FREE consultancy service, worth up to £1,000, has been set up to help small firms assess their management training needs to improve business performance.

Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College has received funding from the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council to provide the consultancy to 140 businesses in Bucks, Oxon and Milton Keynes.

Under the scheme, entitled Managerial Skills Now, any firm which opts to take part will receive three visits from an expert in professional development who will aim to identify and prioritise its training needs.

The scheme is open to companies with a staff of less than 250.

More details from project officer Ann Till on 01494 605201 or email:ann.till@bcuc.ac.uk