A training provider has appointed a new business manager.

PHX Training , in Barrow, has appointed Claire Williams as business manager.

Claire will initially lead the team in developing vocational learning in adult care, business administration, customer service, IT, retail, team leading and warehousing.

She will also be developing its offering to SMEs and individuals in apprenticeships for anyone over the age of 16 across key sectors.

These will include warehousing, retail, business and administration, hospitality, team leading and security industry training.

PHX Training says under a new government announcement, employers with fewer than 250 people with an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million Euros will have fees cut from 10 per cent to five per cent to employ apprentices.

Claire said: “We want to raise the level of awareness of learning and how valuable it is to employers of all sizes as well as individuals of all ages and skill levels in the area.

"With the skills, there are many opportunities in the region for individuals to find work or find different types of employment.

“We are reminding SMEs that people of all ages can be trained or re-trained on our courses and gain valuable skills so they are of real value once they return to work.”

The PHX team delivers a range of training including government-backed initiatives, adult skills, employability contracts, apprenticeship training and work-based learning programmes.