Improving local skills is the prime objective of CAS Training Solutions CIC.

By supporting people back into work, through a range of ICT basic skills and ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) training, the company also offers the C & G Online Basics accredited qualification.

Courses are also available for those for whom English is a second language or not at all.

They aim is to give people back their self-esteem so they feel confident to apply for jobs.

Run by former further education lecturer Susan Hunt and her IT specialist husband Christopher – who also helps run a job club – the couple take their expertise outside their office in London Road, Northfleet, and into the community.

Susan also works with a number of social landlords and mental health support organisations delivering financial literacy, functional skills and family learning in an ESOL setting.

Mr Hunt’s skills are in customer service, financial management, administration and marketing. He has trained and developed staff in a number of trades.

Mrs Hunt said: “As new company directors we sacrificed lots of time, money, early nights, lie-ins and weekends to make our business work. But all of this would not have been made possible without the support of a number of our partners and mentoring from other community organisations.

“We are aware of the negative publicity surrounding the unemployed and those who are new to the UK. We want our clients to look forward to attending our training courses and becoming independent learners and job seekers.”

The company was one of many who entered the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are now in their 10th year.

They are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and on our website.

This year’s award sponsors were Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House, University of Greenwich and Mid Kent College.

Visit www.dgbawards.co.uk to enter next year's awards.