As in-house training is being downsized in some firms, the current economic climate is a potential benefit for independent trainers, according to Trainerbase.

In May, TrainerBase, the association for Learning Practitioners, asked more than 300 potential purchasers of training and development for their views on the impact of the credit crunch.

The findings reveal that a small but growing number of HR, personnel or training departments report that training and development is being 'down sized' or eliminated altogether in their organisations. Respondents think this is as a result of economic factors but went on to suggest that training would still take place.

As companies cut back on their internal training departments, more opportunities may arise for independent trainers.

"This bit of marketing research information backs up some of the comments I have been getting from within the training sector," said TrainBase’s Peter Mayes. "Recent conversations with a number of large providers identified that they were busier than ever; the result of clients' internal training functions being reduced," he said.

However, despite the findings, Trainerbase acknowledges that some independent trainers are finding clients cutting back on training altogether.

If the current financial squeeze continues, the cost benefit of specific training may be further scrutinised, resulting in an overall downturn in training spend to the detriment of those organisations that fail to maintain skills levels.