MORE than 1,300 companies in Devon and Cornwall have used Business Link's skills service in the past year, according to new figures.

More than 4,000 businesses in the South West have used on its skills development service and consulted its advisers since last April, including 1,351 in Devon and Cornwall, the organisation said.

And across the two counties, 9,931 individuals were referred to a training provider, including 652 people referred to apprenticeships.

Business Link chief executive Adam Chambers said: "I would urge every manager and owner of a local business to take advantage of the opportunities that now exist for a wide range of learning solutions — especially as we move towards more favourable trading conditions and growing signs of economic recovery."

Referrals by Business Link are estimated to have led to investment totalling more than £3.5m in employer-funded training across the South West since April 2009.

"What's particularly pleasing is that so many firms of all shapes and sizes across the region have taken advantage of the opportunities to develop the skills of their staff, despite experiencing the most difficult commercial landscape for more than two decades," said Mr Chambers.

"This bodes well for the future wellbeing of the regional economy as well as for the businesses concerned, as these companies are moving out of a period of economic uncertainty in a stronger and more productive position than they were before the recession."