Skills training grants for staff increased to 80%

Businesses can now apply for up to 80% of training costs from the government's Better Business Skills Grant.

Last year 54 businesses were given grants worth £311,210 to boost their employees' skills.

The grants have gone up from half of the training costs and could be used for leadership, management, professional and technical skills, project leaders said.

The government said firm could apply for up to two grants a year and it hoped the funding would help them with "strategic planning".

Businesses trading for 18 months or more can apply for grants between £8,001 and £75,000, while firms which have traded for more than six months are eligible for grants between £500 and £8,000.

The government earmarked £5.3m to the Better Business Grant in both 2025 and 2026, with up to 50% funding for project boosting productivity and tourism.

Jennie Smith, head of business support at Jersey Business - which offers free advice and support, said: "Skills are critical to productivity and long-term business success."

She said the extra money would help island businesses to invest in staff and "build the capability they need to grow".

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