University's productivity booster goes online

Lancaster University's Productivity through People programme is now available online to the county's manufacturing businesses.

The 10-month programme has been developed in conjunction with BAE Systems, Siemens and Rolls-Royce and aims to boost the outputs and efficiency of SMEs.

Now in its fifth year, the Productivity through People programme at Lancaster University has successfully delivered productivity gains for more than 50 businesses across the region, with 65 owner/managers having participated in the programme to date. 

The most recent cohort began in a ‘traditional’ format at the start of 2020 before it was quickly adapted and moved online in light of the pandemic. Now, key decision makers from eligible companies are encouraged to apply for the latest cohort to be delivered online, starting at the end of March.

Helen Wilkinson, knowledge exchange manager from Lancaster University Management School, said: “Many businesses have been hit very hard by the pandemic. For some it created a stressful and chaotic environment for leaders and staff as they responded to the changes, accommodating increased production or pivoting their business models. The Productivity through People programme provides businesses with a structured approach to creating a sustainable business, which will offer crucial support that is particularly important during these challenging times.

"Having business leaders of a high calibre working together in a trusted environment, sharing challenges and problem solving together is often one of the most valuable aspects of the PtP programme for participants. Taking the time to step away from the business to work on the business will save time in the future - and this has never been more relevant, as it is now."

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