A new business programme developed by experts at Lancaster University Management School will help 50 ambitious SMEs in Cumbria on the path to greater growth.
Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria is an innovative six-month programme that draws upon key elements of Lancaster University’s research into how entrepreneurs learn and grow, as well as experience gathered from running highly-successful management programmes such as LEAD. The programme forms part of the range of business support services provided through Cumbria Business Growth Hub & Rural Growth Network.
Using principles taken from Lancaster’s acclaimed LEAD programme, Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria is designed to support companies by providing a trusted peer-to-peer network and activities to stimulate self-development and business growth.
These include providing opportunities for owner-managers and senior managers to engage with experts at a leading university and other like-minded businesses, providing a supportive and trusted environment to work on business growth.
In addition, there will inspirational master-classes from leading experts within their field, such as Dan Hunt, Sports Director at Team Sky Cycling, who will be giving a taster session for interested SME owner managers in Penrith on December 16.
Kim Ashby, Lancaster University Management School programme manager for Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria, said: “We have created a special business development programme specifically aimed at supporting growth in some of Cumbria’s most forward-thinking SMEs.
“For growing companies, having access to a network of like-minded business leaders, space to work strategically on the business and experts who know about the most recent opportunities available to support growth can be priceless. This is what Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria aims to provide.
“The Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria programme should prove to be of significant benefit to the companies enrolled, and create wider growth and jobs to drive forward Cumbria’s economy.”
The programme, which costs £750 for eligible businesses, is recruiting for its first cohort of businesses, which will start in February 2014. This is made possible through the European Regional Development Fund.
Cumbrian businesses looking to grow, can find out more about the business support available to them by calling 0844 257 8450, emailing info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk or by visiting www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Lancaster University Management School direct on 01524 510723 or email abcprogramme@lancaster.ac.uk