Employers will be able to get bespoke skills advice on their training needs after the government announced a doubling of funding for its Train to Gain service.

The move is part of an investment programme announced by the secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills John Denham, which will see more than £11bn a year invested in education, employment and training.

Under the new system more funding will be offered across a broader range of skills, with part funding available for those doing a second full level two qualification and extra funding for level three.

There will also be a boost for small business management training, with the budget increasing from £4m a year to £30m.

“The increased investment in developing the leadership and management capacity in our SMEs will build a sense of mission at the heart of our communities, making their companies more profitable,” said skills minister David Lammy.