COMPANIES based in the suburbs of Glasgow are being offered a helping hand towards staff training.

Half the costs could be paid by council chiefs in East Renfrew-shire, who are piloting a training initiative in a bid to boost the local retail, food and tourism sectors.

The local authority has secured £350,000 from Skills Develop-ment Scotland and officials say the money will be used to meet 50% of customer service training costs.

The initiative is being led by East Renfrew-shire Council's economic development department.

Senior councillor Tony Buchanan said: "Economic develop-ment's remit is to support local busi-nesses and promote tourism. Our support for this initiative is aimed at boosting the area as a whole. This will complement our quality and niche retail and food offering.

"If you own or work for an East Renfrew-shire retail, food or tourism business and would like to find out whether your staff members are eligible for 50% of customer service training costs, please contact lorna.wallace@eastrenfrew shire.gov.uk."

The cash scheme is tailored to small and medium-sized firms.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk