A SCHEME supporting North-East small and medium-sized businesses is holding a pilot workshop to bolster the region's process sector supply chain.

The North-East Process Industry Cluster's Business Acceleration scheme (BASME) is working with Hambleton District Council’s Evolution Business Centre to help companies access free specialist training.

Bosses say the first workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 29 at the Evolution Business Centre, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Sarah Castle, founder of Think Big Training, will deliver a talk on successful sales techniques and highlight unique selling points to develop stronger client relationships for businesses.

Ms Castle said: “All things being equal, people buy from people, which is why in 2014 awareness of your personal brand will give you the ability to effectively communicate your unique selling point.

“Fundamentally potential customers need to relate to you first, this is so important, especially at networking events and in sales situations.”

The BASME programme has been running workshops to help firms access training since early last year, and it now covers the North-East as well as Hambleton and West Cumbria.

Felix O’Hare, BASME programme leader, said: “Workshops that provide access to specialist training are an important aspect of the programme.

“They provide opportunities for companies to build on key business skills, such as marketing and communications, sales and time management.

“Training in these areas is important as it can provide businesses with the advantage they need to develop their sales to the process sector.”

For more information email info@evolutionbusinesscentre.co.uk or call 01609-751600.