Management Training and Networking in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Three European Regions: Implications for Business Support

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Abstract
The authors aim to develop a better understanding of small-business owners' attitudes towards, and experiences of, management training through a study of small mechanical engineering firms and key support providers in three European regions: Stuttgart (Germany), Aarhus (Denmark), and South London (England). Important differences between the three regions in support networks are highlighted. The limited networking between small-business owners and training providers in South London is explained by a lack of embeddedness of UK small engineering firms in the institutional framework supporting business. The absence of a critical mass of engineering businesses, the limited experiences of business owners and the weak business-support network in South London are mutually reinforcing and perpetuate the isolation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from external training providers. Drawing on experience in Stuttgart and Aarhus, some policy proposals are offered which are aimed at increasing the take-up of management training by UK SMEs.

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