Businesses in Southampton can now access a brand-new e-learning hub that offers free training to their staff

Courses include mental health first aid, developing leadership and management skills, how to manage time more successfully, Microsoft Excel, building rapport, customer service training and retail management. All courses will be interactive, delivered in the form of live webinars by trusted trainers and on completing a course people are awarded a certificate.

The new Business Training Hub came about in response to feedback from the city’s businesses that were looking for cost-effective solutions to training that enhanced the skills of staff, without the need for too much interruption to the day-to-day routine.

Stephen Manion, Executive Director for GO! Southampton said: “We are excited to offer this new service to our members. It gives all the staff members of our businesses the chance to develop at a time which suits them.”

“We have been asked for training on Mental Health, Retail Management, Customer Service and Leadership by our members, so this platform gives them the skills they are requesting, to continue to provide fantastic service in our city.

“With so many types of businesses in our city centre, this is a great way for us to support different sectors.”

The learning hub offers live interactive webinars and allows local employees to learn on a flexible basis, accessing webinars from their home, office or anywhere with internet access.

GO! Southampton’s learning hub is launched in partnership with SeedL, a ‘virtual live learning service’.

Jo Shepherd, SeedL’s Chief Learning Officer and a Southampton resident, said: “SeedL has grown rapidly since its launch and we’re really excited to do more to support town and city centre economies. Our partnership with GO! Southampton will bring significant benefits to employers and employees in the city.

“By investing in their people through learning, GO! Southampton members are more likely to retain the talent they have and give individuals the opportunity to grow.

“With learning being such a key part of candidate attraction and retention, we’re delighted to help these local businesses have a competitive edge. Businesses are able to highlight this benefit during their recruitment process.”

GO! Southampton’s Business Training Hub is now live. See details of the courses available and find out how to sign up.