The LSC is offering businesses in the Solent region free advice to help bolster their competitiveness throughout the economic downturn – and continue to boost the skill levels of their workforce.

It said skills and labour shortages remained the top obstacles to better business performance in the region – causing delays to the introduction of new products and services, adding cost and driving down competitiveness.

The advice service – called Train to Gain – began two years ago, and 70,000 employees in the south east have benefited so far. The LSC is encouraging businesses to consult the service.

Martin Lamb, LSC area director for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: 'In the current economic climate, with firms under intense pressure in a competitive marketplace, Train to Gain is more valuable than ever.'

This year about 10,000 employees in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have started on level 2/3 qualifications, equivalent to five good GCSEs or two A-Levels. For more, call 08457 512288, e-mail info@traintogainse.co.uk, or visit www.traintogainse.co.uk