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Duport report shows mixed results for Dudley economy

The latest Duport Business Confidence Report for Dudley shows there was a decline in company formation in the area last year. However, the report also shows there was a reduction in company closures during the same period, suggesting trading conditions may actually be improving in the town.

high net company growth provides a boost for Stafford economy

A new report from Duport.co.uk shows there was a rise in company formation in Stafford last year, suggesting the local economy is beginning to recover from a difficult period.

new league table reflects diverse business community in Bath

It seems the business community of Bath is becoming more diverse. Figures released by Duport.co.uk show the city was amongst the top ten UK towns for female director appointments and young director appointments during 2012.

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In the current economic conditions, businesses are doing everything they can to keep costs down, including embracing more inexpensive forms of staff training.

A new report from the Forum of Private Business has revealed that cheaper alternatives to red tape training are becoming increasingly popular, with 48% of companies surveyed using supplier training and 41% using public sector training provided by public bodies such as colleges.

Phil Orford, the Forum’s chief executive, said:

“For the sake of small businesses and the economy, it is important that small businesses are able to access the right training for their staff at the right price. Unfortunately, while there have been some improvements recently, this is often not the case at present.

“But entrepreneurs are finding ways to provide the skills training their staff need that are more affordable than traditional routes such as expensive courses. This is particularly relevant given the training and guidance required in order to negotiate the minefield of red tape.”

The report showed that personal coaching schemes and online courses are also popular forms of training, though 52% of the companies surveyed said they do not believe responsibility for training should fall on the employer.