27 June 2011

Vital Aspects moves into Pool Innovation Centre

A company supported by ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence investment that is aimed at helping businesses find exactly the right support and training they need has moved into Pool Innovation Centre.

Vital Aspects Ltd, which is run by Richard Monk and Dawn Pearce, receives ESF Convergence from the Skills Funding Agency via The Learning Partnership. The pair have been involved with ESF business support since 2001 and are currently looking for more training providers so they can make their service even more varied and bespoke.

Richard explained that Vital Aspects Ltd acts as brokers to access training and other support for businesses. He said: "We make the whole process more tailored, streamlined and efficient. We find out what a business needs then put together a unique package for each one. This can involve getting several small businesses together for some training or sending a particular company out of Cornwall if their training needs cannot be met here.

"We also look at more than training so can refer to other organisations such as Oxford Innovation if a business wants high growth advice, for instance."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "This is an intelligent use of ESF Convergence. Business needs cannot be fitted into neat boxes and the people running those businesses often do not have time to go and find exactly the right training or support.

"It is fitting that the company should have expanded into Pool Innovation Centre which was constructed using European Regional Development Fund investment. This shows how both Convergence programmes are now complementing each other as they mature."

Mark Williams, Head of Provide Accounts for the Skills Funding Agency, said: "It is very clear that the biggest gap in the support Cornwall provides to businesses is in the area of skills brokerage. I am so pleased that Vital Aspects have taken the initiative to create a new business to help fill this critical link to skills support for businesses in Cornwall. The impartial advice and guidance that will be provided will be hugely appreciated by local businesses as accessing the skills arena can be very complex and time consuming."

The luxury five start resort Gwel An Mor, at Portreath, is one business to have benefitted. Through consultations with Vital Aspects, around 40 staff have been supported with qualifications to help improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Vital Aspects has also pledged financial support to help employees undertake a wide range of further training including Business Management, Customer Service and the further development of the chef team at their Terrace restaurant. Nico Descotes, General Manager at Gwel An Mor, said: "Vital Aspects has enabled us to really focus on staff development. Its support has been fantastic."

Sixteen staff from Redruth-based care provider, Anson Care Services, have made the choice to take control of their personal finances. The training course will help them improve their understanding of debt management, setting personal budgets and where to find quality advice and assistance. Owner of Anson Care Services Mary Anson said: "Vital Aspects has been responsive and flexible in developing a course that is is of real benefit to our staff."

For further information please contact Richard Monk, Vital Aspects Ltd, Tel 07533 873 841.