BUSINESSES in the region are being urged to take advantage of free training offered to help upskill staff, raise productivity and boost business growth.

More than £1 million has been made available for businesses through the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Skills Support for the Workforce project, but businesses only have until early next year to apply.

The scheme, which is funded by the European Social Fund, is designed to give SMEs the chance for their staff to gain professional training across a range of skills and sectors.

Delivered by Calderdale College through local providers, the training is for businesses operating in agriculture, including agritech; bio renewables and bio-economy; food manufacture; construction; engineering; voluntary, community and social enterprise; tourism; and Health and Social Care.

For information visit www.ssw.fundingunit.org.uk/areas/york-north-yorkshire-and-east-riding/.