ASTUTE will develop and pilot a multi-media training tool for sole-traders with regard to potential expansion and the recruitment of additional personnel.Development of the training tool will follow an initial analysis of the barriers inhibiting sole traders from taking additional employees, and of the training requirements of sole traders in the field of employment and business expansion.ASTUTE will exist as a multi-media tool able to be consulted both via CD-Rom and online and will further include a benchmarking element allowing sole-traders to assess the current growth potential of their business.Throughout the lifetime of the project, consultation will take place with decision-makers in appropriate government bodies to ensure that the project impacts upon respective national systems of guidance, information and training.