Almost nine in ten small employers acknowledge the benefits mentoring could add to their business although few utilise it, according to a survey by software provider Sage.

Professional services firm PwC has received almost 400 applications for its female partner shadowing scheme whereby undergraduates join the firm for a week this summer.

Dell has launched a scheme for female employees to coach their male colleagues as part of a gender and diversity programme.

<b>Mentoring is a very unselfish occupation, says Chris Bones, but dont give in to the temptation to run someones life for them</b>