In multiple reports, we have emphasised the value of leadership training in promoting the adoption of business best practices. In our paper Management Matters we highlighted the close link between productivity and adoption of management best practices. While in Upgrade we noted that peer-to-peer learning was a key driver of digital adoption.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully MP, who spoke at the launch of Upgrade, has announced two new training schemes designed to improve small businesses’ management, productivity and problem-solving skills. In this update, we explain the key features of the two new schemes.
Small Business Leadership Scheme
The Small Business Leadership Scheme is a 10-week virtual training programme delivered by university business schools. Business owners on the scheme will take part in 90-minute webinars run by business experts. They will also be required to to complete up to two hours of independent study and peer supported learning per week.
Places on the programme are fully funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and participation is free. However, places are limited.
Any SME that has been trading for over a year with between 5 to 249 employees can take part, but any participant should be a decision maker or member of the senior management team within the business with at least one person reporting directly to them.
The curriculum will cover:
Innovation and markets
Leadership and employee engagement
Vision, purpose and brand
Demand creation and customer relationships
Operational efficiency and financial management
Action, planning, and implementation
If you’re interested in taking part you can enquire about places and find out which business schools are participating here.
Peer Networks
Alongside the more traditional university-based training programme, the Government is also launching Peer Networks, a peer-to-peer networking programme for SMEs that is delivered locally by the network of Growth Hubs across England.
For businesses, it’s an opportunity to work through common business issues with a diverse group of SME managers.
Groups will have access to trained facilitators and will be able to flexibly select topics to cover based on the problems they have in common. Unsurprisingly, given social distancing measures, the scheme will be delivered virtually for the time being.
The programme is available to any SME business that has:
Operated for at least one year
At least five employees
A turnover of at least £100,000
An aspiration to improve
To apply and find out more, you can visit the Peer Networks website.