An organisation which aims to support businesses in Kendal and boost the local economy has launched a training initiative.
More than 200 free online courses are on offer through the Kendal BID scheme to help workers new learn skills and ultimately make their employers and Kendal even more successful.
The topics range from customer service, sales, retail management, hospitality and leadership to social media, project management, self-development, Office 365 and Microsoft Excel.
There are also courses based on mental health awareness and wellness.
“With so many types of businesses in our town centre, this is a great way for us to address the learning needs of both retailers and professional services firms,” said Peter Brendling, the manager of Kendal BID, which represents nearly 700 businesses in the town.
“We really hope that people take up this excellent opportunity to develop themselves and their firms. We believe the new training initiative will help people to learn, perform and succeed.”
Courses are available to Kendal BID’s levy payers and any businesses in the levy area. Employers and employees within those firms can sign up to as many as they like.
Courses are live, interactive webinars held online. Alternatively, people can watch a recorded version of the event at whatever time suits them.
A completion of learning certificate can be downloaded by employees for each course completed and they will be given a training record so they can show evidence of their personal development. Kendal BID will also issue awards for the most engaged learners.
Mr Brendling said there were several reasons for launching the training initiative. “Obviously, like the rest of the country, there is a shortage in the workforce in Kendal and one of the ways businesses can help to attract people to work for them is to offer training,” he said.
“The courses also help an employer with its team development goals and, for the employee, the training will boost their job prospects in the future.”
Kendal BID, a not-for-profit organisation, was established in 2014 and is now in its second five-year period of operation.
Its activities include marketing Kendal as a destination for visitors, running projects and providing benefits to businesses and the public that use them.
Kendal BID funds the dscvr Kendal app, which highlights shops, food and drink establishments, businesses, attractions and things to do in the town.
It can also award shopfront grants worth £500 to help businesses decorate or generally improve their frontages.
