TrainerBase, the Association for Learning Practitioners, has launched a survey to find out the state of UK freelance and independent training providers.

There is huge speculation within the learning, development and training industry about the number, size, success and nature of independent training providers and the individuals and small businesses that make up this important group.

TrainerBase is inviting providers: sole or joint proprietor, partner or director or individuals otherwise in charge of a UK based independent training or learning and development business to participate in the survey.

Peter Mayes, chief executive of TrainerBase said "It is very important for us to learn about this sector and responses from within the sector will help us greatly." He went on: "I have heard speculation that the independent sector; that is training providers or people who call themselves trainers, whether they are sole traders or small businesses, ranges in size from 15,000 to 250,000."

The survey is intended to give some indication of the size and status of this group of businesses and better educate TrainerBase in how it can help support the success of its current and potential membership.

The survey can be found at Sector State Survey

A preliminary report on the survey, which is expected to be ongoing, will be available to participants in late summer.