Volatile economic and political environments offer the threat of uncertainty, increased competition and the opportunity of new market expansion and business growth. I’ve learnt, in over thirty-five years in business, that times like this demand commercial acumen and leadership in equal measure.  FTSE 100 and SME’s alike need to examine their approach to business growth and leadership to create the best opportunities for their organisation and their people.

Attaining new leadership and commercial skills is a critical success factor and builds the sustainability that ensures businesses thrive in the face of constant change and unpredictability. Of course the real competitive advantage is in the rapid application of these skills.  That’s why I’m excited to be working with the University of Bath’s School of Management and the Institution of Structural Engineers on a Leadership Development Programme, which seeks to equip ambitious individuals; whether you are an engineer, an experienced manager, newly appointed or an aspiring leader, with the skills and knowledge needed to make businesses flourish.

Programme content bespoke to your needs

In terms of content and delivery, the programme reflects exactly what the Institution’s members said they wanted. Comprising of four core days spread across the year, the programme will develop all the key skills needed by professionals driving their businesses forward – leadership, managing teams, HR, developing business strategy and marketing. There’s also an innovative scheme which allows participants who have taken the core course to then access three of the Institution’s 13 Professional guidance courses – at no extra charge, saving you up to £2550. This includes four brand new Business Development Seminars led by Parag Prasad, an award-winning mentor to many of London’s elite entrepreneurs.

High quality training with the very best tutorship

I’ll be delivering the HR module of the programme, with my colleague Judy Greevy. We’ll be looking at how participants can unlock the power of the people in their organisation, selecting the right people at the recruitment stage and investing in them to ensure that their potential is realised by the organisation. We’ll help leaders understand what really engages people, how to develop trust and create a culture of willing support and commitment to a shared purpose.
 
Building businesses that will thrive in today’s competitive markets also demands that leaders are able to create an employee proposition that gives them a competitive edge in both the UK and global labour markets. Working with colleagues from the University of Bath, who’ll also be looking at developing leadership capability in strategy and marketing. All these things are vital to creating sustainably successful businesses and I’m delighted that Judy and I have been invited to bring our own skills and experiences to this programme.

Act now and increase your earning potential

I have no doubt that this programme will give attendees the skills and belief to seize the opportunity to take their organisation into growth and provide an employee proposition that also ensures they will attract and retain the skills they need for a sustainably successful future.