Member Article

Leadership programme for West Midlands SMEs

Small and medium businesses in the West Midlands are being given the opportunity to unlock their growth potential with support from expert advisors as part of a government backed scheme.

Acua Solutions Limited, a group company of Coventry University, and Ithaka Leadership Development Limited have joined forces to help senior managers enhance their skills to achieve strong and sustainable growth.

The Ithaka Organisational Leadership Programme is aimed at small and medium businesses throughout the region with participants having the chance to gain a recognised qualification from Coventry University.

Peter Sturrock, Managing Director of Birmingham-based Ithaka Leadership Development Limited, said: “It can be a huge challenge running a growing business and leadership is one of the keys to unlocking the full potential.

“The Ithaka Organisational Leadership Programme has been developed over 20 years. It helps senior decision makers within small and medium businesses to develop the right culture, leadership and strategies to drive strong and sustainable growth.”

Jeannine Mortlock, Managing Director of Acua Solutions Limited, said: “With programme delivery by experienced coaches, the participants will have the chance to take their development to the next level by having it recognised with a qualification from Coventry University.”

Firms could also be eligible for matched funding for the Ithaka Organisational Leadership Programme through the government’s £200 million GrowthAccelerator service.

GrowthAccelerator is a partnership between government and private enterprise, which aims to help small and medium companies achieve their potential for growth and develop leadership skills.

Business growth specialists deliver tailored advice on focus areas such as business development, innovation, access to finance and leadership to better equip senior managers to drive strong and sustainable expansion.

The government’s ambition is that the GrowthAccelerator service will create jobs by improving the management within fast-growing firms.

Matched Leadership and Management funding through Growth Accelerator could be available for the Organisational Leadership Programme to eligible businesses with no more than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40 million that have scope for rapid and sustainable growth.

Interested businesses are invited to events being held in the region to find out how they can enjoy the benefits of both the Ithaka Organisational Leadership Programme experienced by companies like Midlands-based Jones and Palmer and the GrowthAccelerator service.

James Houston, Managing Director of the corporate communications company, said: “The programme removed the feeling of being ‘lonely at the top’ because I was in a group with a vastly experienced facilitator, and other leaders with similar challenges.

“We discussed issues in a confidential and safe environment, and this delivered ideas that I’ve used to totally transform our business.”

Introductory events will take place at the Simulation Centre at Coventry University on Tuesday, March 19 and at Walsall De Vere Village Hotel on Tuesday, March 26 from 7.45am to 9am.

Experts from Acua Solutions Limited, Ithaka Leadership Development Limited and Growth Accelerator will be at the events to advise firms on the opportunities available.

Limited places need to be booked in advance by visiting www.ithakaleadership.co.uk/events

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Acua Solutions Limited .