Sussex Enterprise has appointed Helen Freeman as workforce development manager in a bid to boost investment in staff training.

The new role is intended to encourage firms to get the best from their staff.

Ms Freeman said: "Successful businesses recognise the value of their workforce. A structured development programme for employees can make all the difference to the success of any company.

"My job is to make it easier for businesses to find the right advice, funding opportunities and skills to develop their workforce.

"I will be planning programmes to increase the number of businesses working towards the Investors in People standard.

"I want to hear views about training opportunities. Working with organisations, such as The Learning and Skills Council, we can make sure Government investment in workforce development matches the needs of business."

Ms Freeman has worked in a variety of learning and development roles, including designing business courses at the University of Sussex, working on the management development programme for The Big Issue and as a development consultant for The Body Shop. She also worked as a chartered accountant for KPMG for six years.

She said: "My background means I understand, from hands-on experience, what makes a business succeed from financial, operational and people perspectives. I am passionate that people should feel valued and confident at work."