Dozens of traders graduate from Ealing Council’s training programme designed to boost their business at a special event in October.

30 businesses from Hanwell and West Ealing that successfully completing the scheme and passed their exam were awarded with a certificate.

The sessions provided by retail specialists Vision On are fully funded by the council and look at new ways for businesses to attract customers, get cash in the till and provide an improved service.

Businesses in Southall, Acton and central Ealing began their free training with a team from Vision On in October and will graduate at a later date.

Mr Ioannides, owner of Rendezvous Café and Restaurant, Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, said: "The training was very good, it was an opportunity to experience a new way of doing things and it is making a difference to the way we work. We are introducing what we have learnt to improve trade."

Councillor David Millican, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: "I am delighted that so many traders have signed up to the free training as we are working hard to provide them with support and the right tools to boost their business."

"The acid test is whether the shops and traders attract more business and almost every one of those who graduated said they did."

Sonia Ashta-Sidhu, manages Ashta Jewellers Ltd, High Street, Southall, and has recently joined the scheme. She said: "My family has had the shop for about 30 years and our business is mainly generated by word of mouth, but now we are learning about other ways to bring new customers through the door and make the business even better. It’s fabulous that the council has introduced this scheme."