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“Running a small business can be isolating; meeting other people and listening to their experiences makes you realise that everybody is facing the same problems as you".
 
Lynn Fotheringham, Director InsideOut Buildings
Previous Lead Delegate, Lancaster University 

LEAD is an innovative leadership programme specifically created for owners of small businesses with up to 20 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 is now the Head of School at the University of Cumbria Business School and 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 roled out across the North West supported by the NWDA. It will be 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
  •   Helping delegates manage their business more effectively in this tough economic climate
  •   Increased confidence allowing delegates to make the right decisions 

What is the commitment/cost to your business? 

LEAD requires 2-3 days commitment a month for 10 months. This is a high value course supported by the NWDA resulting in a maximum cost to your business of just £2,000. Owner-managers who employ between five and 999 employees may be eligible for funding towards the cost of the programme via the Train to Gain: Leadership and Management Advisory Service.
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Locations and Dates for LEAD in Cumbria

Location

Start date

Taster Sessions

Energus Campus, Workington

November 2009         

Programme Started

Carlisle Campus

March 2010

For our spring taster sessions click here|

Penrith Campus

October 2010

TBC

Ambleside Campus

February 2011 

TBC

Furness or Energus, Workington

June 2011 

TBC



For more information about the LEAD programme

or Contact Emma Watton, Lead Project Manager on 015394 30635

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