SALISBURY retailers are being urged to train and develop their staff to improve their business performance.

The call comes from Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, in the wake of the news that Wal-Mart-owned UK supermarket Asda is launching a workplace training programme for 1,000 employees.

Business Link is running a series of workshops aimed at the retail sector.

It says the free workshops will help attendees "improve profitability, customer satisfaction and develop a higher-performing team that delivers".

The first workshop took place yesterday, at Salisbury's White Hart Hotel.

"These workshops are normally £195 per person but, due to support from Business Link and the Learning and Skills Council, we are able to provide them free of charge," said Catherine Neeves, human resources business adviser at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

"The events are for retail organisations, with between five and 49 employees, who want to discover how to become more successful."

For more information, contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 41 41.