THE PLATO programme, an innovative business development scheme set up by Business Link Wessex with owner/managers of small and medium sized companies, has resulted in Poole based Jobshop UK winning new business.

PLATO encourages companies to learn together by pooling their knowledge and business acumen to help boost productivity. As a major issue for many SMEs is recruitment, Jobshop UK was able to help and advise members by giving presentations on recruiting and retaining staff, and in two instances, was able to fill vacancies for PLATO associates.

"There are around ten different members in our Group and their businesses range from engineering to environmental and from marketing to interior design", says Tracey Wood, Director of Jobshop UK.

"Although we all have very different businesses, we still have the same issues and it was useful to get together to pool our knowledge and business acumen and exchange ideas on the skills and business techniques that can boost productivity."

The PLATO programme is delivered by Business Link Wessex, with funding from the Learning and Skills Council and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The innovative business development scheme that has already benefited more than 9,000 companies, which have seen 50 per cent of companies, acquire new business through the PLATO network.

Each local PLATO group comprises 10-15 owner managers. It meets once a month to address a wide range of management issues, problem solving in groups or working in one-to-one coaching. It is unique, as large company senior executives and smaller company owner/managers are brought together to share knowledge, develop best practice and form close working relationships.

Jobshop UK handles office and technical recruitment in a geographical area that stretches from Weymouth in the West to Fareham in the East.