Skills minister urges Lancashire firms take on more apprentices

Businesses keen to prosper and grow have been urged by the Government to take advantage of leadership and management training on offer.

The Leadership and Management Advisory Service, funded by the Skills Agency, recently appointed the Business & Enterprise Group to provide tailored advice and support to North West-based SMEs on its behalf.

Now Business & Enterprise Group, one of the UK’s top providers of business improvement expertise, wants to encourage ambitious firms to get in touch and take up the offer of match funded training to help propel them to the next level.

Skills Minister John Hayes said that taking advantage of the training would help stimulate innovation and employment in the area and boost the economy.

“This Government will back businesses that want to boost their skills. We’re spending more than ever on apprenticeships, freeing up training providers from red tape and focusing public spending where it is most needed to drive growth.

“Effective leadership can make the difference between survival and growth and this fund will give vital support to entrepreneurs who want to continue to develop their businesses, said Mr Hayes

Nicki Clark, Assistant Chief Executive of Business & Enterprise Group, said: “We are focused on helping Leaders and Senior Managers identify personal development opportunities that will support their businesses growth ambitions. We firmly believe that the Leadership capability of a business is key to making a good business great.

“The Leadership and Management team will work with individual Leaders and Managers to; identify a bespoke Personal Development Plan, find solutions ranging from coaching to formal training programmes, and financial assistance to help implement those solutions.

“We aim to make a real difference and believe that by working together we will soon see the results via improved productivity and competitiveness across the North West.”

The Leadership and Management Advisory Service includes access to funding of up to £1,000 to enhance leadership skills and growth potential on a 50 per cent match funded basis.