OUTSOURCE training provider Helmsman Services has won a contract to provide a range of courses for the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea), to help boost the skills and profitability of local businesses.

The courses are a new venture for Colbea and are intended to fill a gap in the market resulting from changes in the Business Link support programme.

They will cover a wide range of business and practical skills from customer services to employment law and fire safety awareness to manual handling.

The line-up of courses involve a mix of full-and half-day sessions, each devised to help small and medium sized firms to gain the most from the time their people spend out of the office.

Tony Willson, managing director of Helmsman Services, which is also based in Colchester, said: “In these difficult trading conditions everyone is stretched for time. That’s why we’ve made these courses jam-packed with really useful information and tips.

“Business owners and employees will leave the course genned up on the very latest facts and we’ll also show delegates how to ensure their business is running as effectively as possible.”

The courses are a new venture for Colbea and will take place at its Central Colchester Business Centre in George Williams Way. Prices will start from �40 plus VAT for a half-day course.

Bob Baggalley, chief executive of Colbea, said: “As an enterprise agency we’re continually working to improve the standards and services we offer.

“We recognise that Business Link’s courses will be stopping soon and so we see this as another significant step forward for us in helping local businesses get off the ground and for all enterprises to develop into successful ventures,” added Mr Baggalley.

Colbea is also running marketing-based courses at its North Colchester Business Centre at The Crescent. For details on all the courses, visit www.colchesterbusiness centre.co.uk or call 01206 548833.