BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is urging shopkeepers to make the most of the advice available to them to help them avoid developing tunnel vision.

Business Link's workforce development department has organised a number of free workshops, starting this month, especially for retail businesses.

The aim is to provide them with access to proven methods of business practice, a networking forum and the opportunity to measure themselves against similar businesses.

Catherine Neeves, human resources adviser from Business Link, said: "The demands of running a retail business can make owners and managers lose sight of the bigger picture.

"Business Link is offering small and medium sized enterprises the opportunity to tap into impartial, outside sector expertise and explore concepts that will have a positive impact on their individuals, teams, efficiency and profitability."

The topics include action plans, how to set and reach goals, management styles, how to refocus and reprioritise, getting the most out of staff and how to achieve payback on the cost of training.

Afterwards, clients will also be invited to half-day workshops that will focus on specific aspects of their business.

In addition, Business Link has organised a series of breakfast workshops, entitled Focus on Retail, that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of a range of retailers, from village shops to shopping centre operators.

Sarah Walters, owner-manager of the Mole Hole, of Crane Street in Salisbury, said: "The workshop provided an ideal environment to think exclusively about your business.

"You have access to impartial experts and peers who provide fresh ideas, hands-on learning and problem solving exercises that are simple to follow and reproduce for your business.

"The workshop helped me set our business plan and objectives, while providing me with the confidence and know-how to implement the changes."

Colin Mundy, owner- manager of Stand-out Records, said: "I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with straightforward and realistic concepts in simple language.

"One of the main benefits to my business was the focus on goal setting.

"I've already made great headway in putting my plan into action and have successfully achieved a number of goals within the timeframe I set myself. It is important for me to retain sight of how to keep my business one step ahead of the competition."

For details of the workshops, contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 41 41, or visit the website at www.blbw.co.uk.