A EUROPEAN staff training fund is available to small businesses in Trafford.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), is reminding firms across the region the fund, which can be used to cover 100 per cent of staff training costs, will soon stop accepting applications.

The ‘Skills Support for the Workforce’ project is provided by the European Social Fund and overseen through the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).

The aim of the project provide additional skills to the workforce and fund free training to those employing fewer than 250 staff.

The funding can be used to pay for any type of workplace skills, from digital marketing to basic computer skills, but can also be used in key priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, health and social care, creative and digital industries, and education.

The FSB is warning small firms need to apply before it is withdrawn next March 31.

Regional FSB chairman in Manchester and North Cheshire, Richard Gregg, said: “Skilling your workforce at absolutely no cost whatsoever to your business is a no brainer.

"This money can be used for virtually any training purpose, from one man band businesses up to those with 249 staff, but anecdotal evidence suggests many small business owners are unaware of what they are entitled to.”