Suffolk-based business support organisation Menta has launched a new online learning partnership to help busy entrepreneurs develop their skills.

Menta, which is based in Bury St Edmunds, already offers subsidised business masterclasses at locations across the country, with nearly 300 people having attended courses in the last six months.

However, feedback from events has revealed demand for online learning opportunities too, and Menta has now formed a partnership with eAlliance Learning Technology to offer a catalogue of more than 700 courses.

Alex Till, chief executive at Menta, said: “Last year we sent out a survey asking the business community for their feedback regarding the masterclasses we hold. We received a resounding ‘please continue’ from our course delegates as they appreciate the face-to-face interaction. However, they also requested affordable, online business courses which they could access in ‘bite size’ pieces.”

John Baxter, managing director of eAlliance, has worked in commercial training and education for more than 20 years, providing learning solutions for small and medium businesses as well as blue chip and public sector organisations.

He said: “I’ve witnessed many developments in approaches and attitudes toward learning, not least the significant advances in learning technology and its impact on every aspect of training and education.

“We’re extremely pleased to be working in partnership with Menta using our world-class learning technology to make available a carefully selected and catalogued range of interactive eLearning courses to the business community of the region.”

Mr Till added: “It would be a huge investment to offer traditional training covering 40 different business subjects. However, by using the advances of modern technology, e-learning makes this possible. I see this development as a way to complement our existing services, not to replace them.”