It is important for businesses of all sizes to train workers properly, it has been suggested.
Businesses should ensure that they train their staff despite costs and the time off required, it has been stated.
Louise Druce wrote on businesszone.co.uk that untrained workforces can fall behind their competitors, which would cost more in the long-term than training.
She cited research by Deloitte which found almost one third of British entrepreneurial businesses believe a lack of talented staff will hinder growth over the coming year.
However, small businesses need a more flexible approach to training than big companies who have training budgets and resources to handle the costs and absence, she said.
Ms Druce said that on-the-job training was probably the most effective strategy for most companies.
But she noted some companies exist to put firms in contact with suitable external trainers.
Small business coach Olivia Stafanino also told Ms Druce that grants exist for training, although the red tape involved can be off-putting.
In other news, Devon's Herald Express reports that adult learners were commended for setting a good example to children at a recent awards show in Brixham.