HUNDREDS of employees from small businesses across London have already benefited from free training on a wide range of courses through the European Social Fund-financed Heathrow Supply Chain Project and there are still a few places available on most courses.

"Our main aim is to prepare local companies to capitalise on the new business opportunities arising from Heathrow's massive expansion and other major regional developments," said Hamid Momtahan of Thames Valley University, which manages the project.

"The training is designed principally to help businesses meet new legal and quality requirements and develop the full potential of their staff.

"The project will also help people secure accreditation for learning experience and qualifications gained in their countries of origin.

"We are delighted with the enthusiastic response the project has received from a wide variety of small businesses.

"We're getting the highest attendance on SAGE accountancy program, Food Hygiene, the National Certificate for Licensees and Customer Services.

"Team Building for businesses, CRM and Sales Journey and Freedom from Stress in the Workplace are also proving to be particularly popular."

Many of the courses lead to a qualification and, to help local small companies take full advantage of the scheme, most of the courses can be completed in a single day.

Other courses available include Health and Safety at Work, Marketing, Web Design, Information Technology and Project Management.

Training is open to people of all ethnic groups with the right to take up employment in an EU state, who are living or working in a London borough and are self-employed or employed by companies with up to 250 employees (ESF eligibility criteria apply).

Information on course content, location and availability and full details on eligibility and initial assessment can be found on www.tvu.ac.uk/heathrow, or by contacting heathrow@tvu.ac.uk or by ringing 020 8231 2146/2210.