BUSINESSES are being offered a free taster of the WorldHost customer service training programme.

A session hosted by Keighley-based Airedale Enterprise Services (AES) and Shipley College will give participants the chance to experience some of the exercises from the programme, which has been used to train more than 200,000 people in the UK.

WorldHost covers key principles of customer service and includes additional modules on various topics.

Linda O'Donnell, of Shipley College, said: "Customer service is becoming increasingly important for businesses – research found that 61 per cent thought it would be the most important skills need for their staff over the next five years.

"WorldHost training has been used by leading brands across the UK and it can help businesses attract and retain customers.

"This taster is a great opportunity to find out more at no cost and 'try before you buy'. It's also a chance to network with other local firms."

The session takes place at AES, in Sunderland Street, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 26.

Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details and to book, contact Lynne Henry on 01535 607775.