A COLLEGE'S business development unit has moved to premises which will allow the further development of its training courses.

Derwentside College's business development unit has moved to larger premises in the Louisa Building, in Front Street, Stanley.

A college spokesman said the Derwentside Training for Industry Unit (DTIU) had developed an enviable reputation for the quality of its courses and services to businesses throughout the region.

The unit has a growing number of clients, including The Sage, Schmitz Cargobull, International Cuisine and St Andrew's Nursing Home, in Stanley.

These premises will allow the unit to provide a wide range of additional training and services, from first aid certificates to NVQs in engineering, to health and safety certificates to safe handling of medicines, as well as a comprehensive range of management development courses.

This year, the DTIU has provided 164 courses for more than 2,200 employees in more than 300 companies.

One of its clients, precision component manufacturer RA Labone, says it has seen a great improvement in its production process as a result help from DTIU.

After consulting staff at the training organisation, the company was able to train several of its shop-floor staff through the Employer Training Pilot.

Labone production manager Malcolm Gettings said: "The college has enabled 28 of our employees to gain an NVQ2 in performing manufacturing operations.

"Their friendly and efficient tutors delivered the course on site, allowing production to continue with minimal interruption."