A MAJOR new training programme - Enterprise Works - is set to boost the skills and commercial abilities of individuals and businesses in the farming and rural sectors across the Midlands.

Launched by the Country Land and Business Association, the training programme comes eight months after the CLA West Midlands completed a comprehensive survey of farmers and rural business owners to identify current deficiencies in training in the region's land-based and rural economy.

Enterprise Works represents a fresh approach to training based on training through example, using existing successful business templates, and the skills and experience of business professionals and entrepreneurs.

The new programme also allows trainees to tap into specialist advisory services provided by the CLA and other rural business organisations which will combine to provide a unique skills and training support system.

West Midlands regional director for the CLA Frances Beatty said: "The undoubted strength of our new training programme lies with its emphasis in training through example and its delivery using business professionals.

This approach is further backed up by the ability to hook up to the wealth of business and professional expertise which already exists within the rural business environment."

She added: "We are confident that Enterprise Works will be able to help businesses and their staffs in the rural sector to develop and grow their businesses, or simply up-skill and find more efficient methods of working." Further information and details of the first series of courses on Developing Farm Buildings are available on 01785 284722 or on the website www.cla.org.uk/training.