Management training and networking in small and medium-sized enterprises in three European regions: implications for business support

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 E uropean regions: Stuttgart (Germany), Aarhus (Denmark), and South London (E ngland). Important differences between the three regions in support network s 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 bus iness. The absence of a critical mass of engineering businesses, the limite d experiences of business owners and the weak business-support network in S outh London are mutually reinforcing and perpetuate the isolation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from external training providers. Drawi ng on experience in Stuttgart and Aarhus, some policy proposals are offered which are aimed at increasing the take-up of management training by UK SME s.