Using telementoring to deliver training to SMEs: a pilot study

This paper reports on the transference to the UK of an online advisory service, developed and piloted in The Netherlands, targeted at small firms. The initiative is part of an ADAPT project funded by the European Social Fund. A pilot study was undertaken as a preliminary step to assess the compatibility of The Netherlands model with a UK market. Focus groups were used to explore the training and advice needs of owner-managers' in West London. An analysis is presented of the likely impact of such a service in the UK. The paper examines a number of common themes and issues concerned with training provision and SMEs, and assesses the potential of interactive distance learning, or "telementoring" to break down the barriers that owner-managers may have towards formal training.