Businesses and organisations are often quick to invest in shiny new equipment, a slick website or office space.

And while great care and time is spent on maintaining these things, the most significant business expenditure is all too often overlooked.

I’m talking about employees, specifically their training and development, things that are notoriously forever left on the ‘to-do list’.

Neglecting these aspects of a business is a guaranteed way to sow the seeds of failure.

It’s why the best modern business leaders, such as Sir Richard Branson, have gone to great lengths to stress the importance of looking after their people.

High performing staff make for a high performing business, leading to a far healthier bottom line.

Locally, a great example of this is industrial supplier FWB in Threemilestone, which benefitted from Apprentice Michael Sutton’s skills acquired on his Business Administration Apprenticeship.

His skills have already saved the company £25,000 when he developed a plan to bring the branding of high visibility jackets in-house, dramatically cutting the costs of outsourcing the process.

Cornish-based restaurant chain Sams noted the immediate impact of upskilling its staff in social media. The fast-growing group of restaurants has also invested in team leading and chef training.

Emma Sixton, Director of Sams’ restaurant said potential managers had been identified within the company. “They were all exceptional in their jobs, but we knew with specific training and a confidence boost they would reach their goal quicker, enabling Sam’s to grow,” she said.

The results are speaking for themselves.

There are many more examples of local companies that have seen significant savings through implementing training.

But it’s important to get the right type of training. Quite often the challenge in Cornwall is that while ‘funding’ is available, it’s not necessarily for training that fits the needs of the business.

To have the most impact, training has to fit the specific business need.

Companies and organisations are increasingly coming to Truro and Penwith College looking at the professional qualifications available that can take their staff to the next level.

They have utilised the bespoke training on offer, which includes leadership and management, sales and marketing as well as regulatory training, such as Health & Safety, to ensure businesses are covered. It not only develops an employee’s potential, but improves the success of their organisation and, most importantly, improves the bottom line.

As local businesses begin planning for a new financial year, perhaps now is the time to move training off the ‘to do list’.

For more information or to arrange a free consultation, please contact the Truro and Penwith College Business customer service team on 01872 242711 or email business@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Tamsyn Harris is Head of Truro and Penwith College Business