LEAD in Cumbria

leadlogo"Being on LEAD has been great at putting me in touch with people from other sectors who can give advice. You quickly realise that you are not alone and that other people are facing the same problems and challenges as you."  Karen Law, Cumbria Pest and Hygiene

LEAD is an innovative leadership programme specifically created for owners of small businesses with up to 50 employees. The 10 month programme provides hands on advice, expert coaching and practical support to help you tackle real-life issues facing your business, and enable you to make decisions with confidence. 

Professor Steve Kempster was core to the development of the original LEAD programme at Lancaster University Management School. Steve has played a key part in bringing his experience of Leadership and Change Management to inform the development of the programme for delivery in Cumbria. The programme is being delivered across the North West supported by the NWDA. It is available in Cumbria in Workington, Carlisle, Penrith, Ambleside and Furness.

Follow the link to the left to listen to Emma Watton's interview on BBC Radio Cumbria.

What LEAD involves? 

LEAD concentrates on two areas of the business: the business itself and the personal development of the owner.

The programme is made up of several elements which run alongside each other throughout the 10 months:

  • Overnight Experiential – the programme starts with a two day overnight event. This helps delegates get to know each other and helps them to start thinking about their current leadership style.
  • Masterclasses – 10 masterclasses are split into two themes, business growth and leadership.
  • Coaching –a solutions focussed coaching approach changes how members work with people both inside and outside their organisation.
  • Action Learning Sets – a group of 6-7 cohort members who meet to discuss and resolve real business issues.
  • Shadowing and Exchanges – delegates are partnered for a series of shadowing visits and exchanges.
  • Learning and Reflection Days - an opportunity to consolidate learning and assess the impact of LEAD.
  • On-line forum-  members share what they have learnt in Masterclasses and discuss issues from Action Learning Sets. They also have access to podcasts, Masterclass presentations and additional reading.   

Benefits to your business

The businesses that have taken part in the LEAD pilot have benefited from a significant increase in sales turnover as a result of their participation. Other benefits include:

  • Improved staff productivity & more effective business processes
  • Increased robustness of businesses who have participated
  • Increased confidence allowing delegates to make the right decisions
  • Increased networking opportunities and peer support from other businesses 

What is the commitment/cost to your business? 

To make LEAD manageble for business owners the programme is spread over 10 months. The estimated time commitment is approx 2 days per month. Some of this activity is timetabled in advance (e.g. masterclasses) and other activity is arranged to suit your own schedule (e.g. coaching and action learning). 

LEAD is a high value course supported by the NWDA. The NWDA provide a £4000 grant towards the cost of LEAD, for eligible companies, resulting in a maximum cost to your business of 2,000. Additional funding is also available to assist with reducing the cost further.  Full details available on request.

Other frequently asked questions about the LEAD Programme

For other questions you may have about whether the LEAD programme is right for you please click here.

Locations and Dates for LEAD in Cumbria 

Location

Start date

Taster Sessions

Energus Campus, Workington

November 2009    

Programme completed

Carlisle/Penrith Campus

Sept 2010

Programme completed 

Furness Enterprise, Barrow

Spring 2011 

Programme started

Ambleside Campus

Spring 2011 

Programme started 

For more information about the LEAD programme contact Emma Watton, Lead Project Manager on 01539 430290, emma.watton@cumbria.ac.uk

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