PINNA and LSN are to roll out a leadership development programme for small businesses in the North West.
Liz Hall
The partnership consisting of Preston-based coaching firm Pinna and not-for-profit education-sector training consultancy LSN is one of 13 training providers/partnerships delivering the £9.5 million programme LEAD (Leading Enterprise and Development), aimed at helping 2000 businesses across the Northwest over the next three years.
PINNA will be delivering coaching and action learning as well as business master classes to companies two days a month over a 10 month period.
The programme has been designed by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWRDA) and has been developed and piloted by Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) with the support of the NWDA over the past five years. Already more than 150 business owners have been through the programme with proven results.
Helen Bailey, managing director of PINNA said that an independent evaluation of the initial pilot showed that 90% of participating business owners reported an average annual sales increase of £200,000. She said that previous delegates have also recognised the programmes’ role in enabling them to step back and focus on the strategy and growth of the business rather than its day-to-day running.
“What I particularly like about LEAD is that it concentrates on the two most important areas of the business; the business itself and the personal development of the owner manager,” said Bailey.
Although LEAD is a high value programme it is supported by the NWRDA resulting in a maximum cost to the business of £2,000. Funding may be available through the Train to Gain L&M programme to reduce this cost a further £1,000.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWRDA, said that although employers recognise leadership and management as a priority to enhance productivity and competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises all too often have time and financial constraints.
“However better skills at higher levels drive leadership and management, which are the key drivers of growth and profit,” he said.
Owner managers from companies employing up to 20 people are invited to join the selection process. Business owners who wish to participate on, or hear more about the LEAD programme should contact PINNA on 01995 642276 or visit www.businesslinknw.co.uk/lead