Sponsored Editorial

Did you know that Business leaders at SMEs can now apply for a 90% government funded leadership course, spread over 12 weeks to fit around your business?

Why not learn from experts at triple accredited Kent Business School in February 2024 at the University of Kent.

Help to Grow: Management at Kent Business School is a 12-week practical management training programme designed to support senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to boost performance, resilience, and long-term growth.

Applications for February 2024 are open and registration is required now to secure your place.

The course, which is 90% subsidised by the government, tackles business challenges, and helps leaders develop a tailored growth action plan. It costs just £750.

“Having run my own business for five years, I felt it was time to invest in myself,” says Gloria Apara, CEO of Cyber Engineers Training Programme, an alumna of Kent Business School’s Help to Grow: Management course in early 2023.

“We talked about strategy and innovation, digital adoption, internationalisation and winning new markets.

“It is great just to know that there are so many other business owners in the same boat as I am, struggling with the same challenges.”

Kerry Smith, CEO of Kent Coast Volunteering who also took the course, adds: “I loved the comprehensive content, the skill of the tutors, the group exercises, the comprehensive notes, the peer group sessions, the mentor support.

“The course was inspiring and it helped me identify where change was needed; as well as give me the confidence to prioritise, navigate and implement change.”

Skills developed on the Help to Grow: Management course include:

· Leadership skills.
· Strategic planning, employee engagement, finance, and marketing.
· Strategies for market segmentation, positioning and targeting.
· Access to regional and national networks.
· Developing a Growth Action Plan tailored to each business.
· Employee engagement.
· Digital innovation.
· Operational efficiency.

“The course content in digital adoption was what we were looking for and no one could deny the value for money,” explains Joseph Mason, CEO of Onyx Fire and Security based in Dartford.

“The modules we have done so far have really helped us as a business. We have lots of strengths, but it is good to get other perspectives. In a sense, the course has taught us to open our minds.”

Eligibility criteria for the Help to Grow: Management scheme applies but Kent Business School offers access to dedicated staff, on hand to discuss individual situations and needs.

Find out more and register your place here.