The Federation of Small Businesses has released a new report, "Education and Training Initiatives in the United Kingdom", which examines the range of training organisations, co-ordinators, public bodies and initiatives.

Derek Huckle of the FSB's Education, Support and Training Committee said, "The FSB has identified the need for further clarity on education and training initiatives in the UK. The remit for this project began with increased awareness of the growing number of education and training initiatives and the number of organisations involved in the field. This study is an attempt to document recent national initiatives that have a potential impact on SMEs."

Melanie Ottens, the author of the Report said, "This guide should prove very useful to all small businesses. Part One outlines the main responsibilities of the organisations and institutions concerned and Part Two is similar to a Directorate listing the main initiatives affecting small firms in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Small firms have told us that they are immensely confused by the plethora of initiatives undertaken across Government Departments and we believe such a directory will be very helpful to them".

Copies of the report can be obtained from the Federation of Small Businesses, 2 Catherine Place, Westminster, London SW1E 6HF. 020 7592 8100.