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Our projects are benefiting hundreds of businesses, helping them improve their key skills and developing their potential. One of the University’s strategic roles is to support business and entrepreneurship and this programme will play a crucial part in delivering that.”
Taking a LEAD
A major leadership development programme is being rolled out across Cumbria as part of a £9.5 million plan by the Northwest Regional Development Agency to boost small businesses in the county and across the North West.
The University of Cumbria was selected to deliver the acclaimed course–known as LEAD (Leading Enterprise and Development) which focuses on micro-businesses with fewer than 20 staff.
Professor Steven Kempster, Head of the School of Business and Enterprise at the University of Cumbria
It aims to work with 125 owner- managers from across Cumbria over the next three years, taking them through a 10-month programme, which is hailed as a real watershed by businesses that have already taken part. The University of Cumbria has an established and recognized reputation for its work in the SME sector.
Professor Steve Kempster, Head of the University of Cumbria Business School, is delighted to offer LEAD to Cumbrian business. “The school is already working hard with the business community to help and support their efforts for the local economy,” he said.
The LEAD programme has already been thoroughly evaluated by Newcastle University and shown to be a great success with a clear return on investment in the region of £10 return for very £1 invested. “It gives owner-managers the opportunity to focus on the growth, profitability and success of their business and will be a great help to many SMEs across the Cumbrian economy,” he added.
LEAD has been designed in conjunction with small business. It concentrates on the business itself and the personal development of owner-managers. The pilot project has been developed over the past five years and more than 150 business owners have been through the programme, including a number from Cumbria. Newcastle University’s evaluation of the pilot showed that 90 per cent of business owners that took part reported an average annual sales increase of £200,000.
SMEs also credited the programme with helping them improve staff, productivity and business processes, allowing them to step back and focus on strategy and growth, rather than the day-to-day running of the operation. The programme will run at a number of University of Cumbria campuses to appeal to businesses across the county.
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