A leading software company has set up a learning academy to develop its workforce and cultivate local talent.

Brighton-based Marlborough Stirling has appointed Roger Smith to head the project.

He said the company had decided to take a proactive approach to the IT skills shortage by setting up a dedicated learning and development department.

He added: "Marlborough Stirling's staff numbers have increased by 121 per cent in the past three years and we have a strong commitment to continue to expand.

"However, like many IT companies, we have been finding it harder to recruit the skilled staff we need so in addition to recruiting from the rapidly shrinking pool of experienced people, we are looking at different ways to create the skills we need.

"One example of this would be to recruit people with different IT skills and develop them through the academy."

"Setting up our own learning academy builds on our existing training department and will enable us to tailor our programmes to the exact needs of our employees."