Two new programmes could help small mobility business leaders grow their companies
As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced UK businesses to adopt new ways of working, the UK Government is investing £20 million to improve small businesses’ management, productivity and problem-solving skills through two new training programmes.
The two new leadership programmes are designed to equip business leaders, including those in the mobility industry, with the skills they need to ensure their businesses are resilient and can grow throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
Firstly, the Small Business Leadership Programme will focus on strengthening decision-makers’ leadership skills, so they are able to address management challenges, some of which, like remote working, have arisen from coronavirus.
This programme aims to equip business leaders with the confidence and leadership skills to plan for the future of their business, and ensure that they are in a strong position to recover from the impacts of coronavirus.
Delivered virtually by experts from university business schools, the 10-week programme will teach participants how to maximise their business’ potential by improving productivity, organisation and efficiency.
Businesses will undertake a series of 90-minute webinars delivered by leading business experts and will also be required to complete up to two hours of independent study and peer supported learning per week.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “I know from my own experience of running small businesses just how valuable the advice and experience of experts and peers can be when you are looking to grow your company.
“The strength of small businesses up and down the country will be vital as we begin to bounce back from coronavirus and re-build our economy. These schemes will help equip small business leaders with the leadership, resilience and problem-solving skills they need to grow their firms in the wake of this pandemic.”
Additionally, the Peer Networks Programme will focus on helping business owners improve their problem-solving skills, through a series of guided exercises.
Participants will take part in sessions where common coronavirus-related business challenges will be discussed, such as finding new customers and using websites to adapt a business model.
Members of the programme will be given skills in areas such as leadership and management, sales and marketing that they need to tackle these challenges head-on while growing their business.
Anne Kiem, OBE, CEO of Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: “The effects of coronavirus have been particularly damaging for small businesses and providing their leaders with the experience and knowledge to survive and thrive will be essential for the future success of the country.
“While cash injections are important, for the long-term, business leaders need the skills to ensure they and their businesses are resilient and can grow throughout this period and beyond. Accessing experts from the world-leading business schools we have in this country will be an essential resource for businesses in the months and years to come.”
There are 2,000 places available on the Small Business Leadership Programme and 6,000 on the Peer Networks programme.
