For small and medium sized enterprises, training your staff is essential. Well trained employees help your business stay competitive, adapt to change, and retain talent without the cost of frequent recruitment. Research shows that over half of employees will need reskilling within the next three years.
At Bespoke HR, we provide both pre-defined and bespoke training courses designed for SMEs. Our sessions are practical, affordable, and deliver measurable results. Importantly, businesses can book individual seats for staff, making training flexible and cost effective.
Why Training Matters for SMEs
SMEs need versatile, multi-skilled teams. Investing in training ensures your staff can take on new responsibilities and grow with your business. Face to face workshops, group sessions, and mentoring are particularly effective, offering high impact learning without expensive technology. Booking individual seats allows companies to manage costs while still improving skills across the team.
Step 1: Audit Your Team’s Skills
Start by assessing current skills and identifying gaps. Consider technical knowledge, upcoming responsibilities, and areas employees wish to develop. Bespoke HR can help SMEs run skills audits through surveys and workshops, providing a clear starting point for your training programme.
Step 2: Set Clear Goals
Once gaps are identified, define achievable objectives. For example, complete compliance training within three months or finish customer service workshops by the end of the quarter. Link training to appraisals or personal development plans. This way, staff can see their progress and feel motivated to engage.
Step 3: Choose Accessible Learning Methods
Face to face workshops, mentoring, and employee-led learning offer the best balance of cost, engagement, and results for SMEs. Group sessions allow staff to collaborate and share knowledge, while booking individual seats ensures flexibility for businesses.
Interactive Group Workshops
Engage staff in practical exercises and discussions that improve teamwork, confidence, and skill retention.
Mentoring and Buddying
Leverage the expertise already within your team. Mentoring builds skills while promoting knowledge sharing and boosting confidence.
Pre-Defined and Bespoke Courses
Whether using ready-made or customised programmes, SMEs gain practical HR, leadership, soft skills, and compliance training.
Step 4: Make Training Ongoing
Time is always tight in small businesses. Short, continuous sessions make training manageable, while flexible scheduling ensures staff can fit learning into their workday. Individual seat booking lets employees access training when they need it most.
Step 5: Promote Your Training
Showcase your training programme in job adverts, employee stories, and company communications. This demonstrates your commitment to staff development, attracting new talent and improving engagement and loyalty among existing employees.
Key Takeaways
- Staff development is crucial for SME growth
- Audit skills to identify gaps
- Set clear, achievable goals
- Use accessible methods like workshops, mentoring, and group sessions
- Offer pre-defined and bespoke courses to suit budgets
- Keep training continuous and easy to manage
- Book individual seats to control costs
- Promote training as a recruitment and retention tool
Final Thoughts
Investing in a staff training scheme is vital for SMEs. Bespoke HR provides practical, affordable face to face workshops, mentoring, and group sessions. Staff can book individual seats, making training flexible and accessible. A structured training programme keeps your team skilled, motivated, and ready for future challenges without putting pressure on your budget.
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