Giving you the skills and tools to grow YOUR business

LEAD Wales is a revolutionary and highly successful training and development programme that equips owner-managers of SMEs to enhance their leadership skills and take their business to the next level.

Between 2010 and 2015, the innovative programme is being made available – without charge - to some 700 SMEs located across North and West Wales: a unique opportunity for the entrepreneurs in our economy to increase turnover and profitability, expand their horizons and release the full potential of their staff.

The £8 million programme is being delivered through Swansea University’s School of Business and Economics and Bangor University Business School, and is backed by the Welsh Assembly Government and £5 million from the European Social Fund.

How will LEAD Wales improve YOUR business?

This innovative programme focuses on two areas: the business itself and the personal development of the owner-manager.

The aim is to give owner-managers, as well as managers of social enterprises, the resources and support they need to fully harness the skills and energy of their staff, recognise and exploit opportunities for greater efficiency, and provide a sound platform for growth.

It has been designed specifically to address the challenges faced by owner-managers, recognising and dealing directly with the issues that impact on their businesses. And it does so in a dynamic, effective way - integrating active teaching with action learning, encouraging participants to share knowledge and experience with their peers and then to apply what they learn to their own business situation.

The programme

Each ‘cohort’ consists of up to 24 delegates: there is no charge for a programme valued at over £11,500, but you will need to commit to spend a total of 20 days over 10 months.

The programme comprises:

• An overnight experiential event to build trusting peer relationships
• Inspiring Masterclasses in business growth and leadership
• Individual coaching programmes
• Action learning sets to share and learn from each other’s experience
• Shadowing and exchanges – developing your skills through peer group sessions
• An online support forum

  

What support does LEAD Wales offer?

Throughout the programme participants are supported by their peers in the cohort, together with the LEAD Wales Group Development Leaders and external coaching professionals. 

How does LEAD Wales differ from other business support programmes?

In sharp contrast to traditional business management courses, LEAD Wales is designed to meet the specific needs of the owner-manager of a small or medium sized business, or social enterprise, that has traded for at least 2 years and employs a number of staff. There is no requirement for any formal qualifications.

Who can qualify to take part on a LEAD Wales programme?

Your company or social enterprise will need to have traded for at least two years and employ a number of staff. You will also need to be located within the Convergence region of North and West Wales and the Valleys. Once you apply, you will be invited to complete an application form and to attend an informal interview.

How is LEAD Wales measured?

The success of the LEAD Wales programme is measured in terms of the increased sales turnover, employment, productivity and profits achieved by the owner-managers. These are real business solutions for real businesses.

Your next step

To find out more about taking part in a LEAD Wales programme, call Lawson Coombes on 01792 606738 or email info@leadwales.co.uk and prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Swansea University

Tel: 01792 606738                              

email: info@leadwales.co.uk

Bangor University

Tel: 01248 382497              

email: info@leadwales.co.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.leadwales.co.uk/