“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 in Cumbria

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.

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 first element of the programme is a two day group activity with an overnight stay. This helps members of the cohort 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 – Cohort members are partnered for a series of shadowing visits and exchanges.
* 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

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. Funding may be available through the Train to Gain L&M programme to reduce this cost further, subject to meeting relevant eligibility criteria.

Locations and Dates for LEAD in Cumbria

Location                                                              Start date                                            Taster Sessions

Energus Campus, Workington                                 October 2009                                       Sept 2009

Carlisle Campus                                                     February 2010                                       TBC

Penrith Campus                                                    October 2010                                        TBC

Ambleside Campus                                                February 2011                                       TBC

Furness or Energus, Workinton                               June 2011                                            TBC


If you would like to find out more about the LEAD programme please follow the link below to the Business Link website and select University of Cumbria from the drop down list:

Request information now|  or contact Emma Watton on 015394 30635|