LMU bid to help recession-hit firms

The London Metropolitan University (LMU) has announced the launch of a new venture designed to help businesses and individuals in London who have been adversely affected by the recession.

Upturn, which consists of a partnership made up of LMU, London First, the City of London Corporation, the LDA and several London boroughs including Hackney and Islington, are looking to actively assist firms who fear that they will need to lose employees.

Tony Young, a workforce and professional development consultant who is part of Upturn, said: 'If you are a London firm under pressure from the recession, Upturn can provide a range of support for your business and any staff whom you risk having to make redundant, or have had to lose.

'Upturn can support you in the development of retainer packages that can include subsidised training. Upturn also provides support for individuals, signposting them to appropriate up-skilling or re-skilling opportunities.'

Among the services offered are business start-up training, an EMK certificate in event management and a CIM e-marketing award.