The Leading Lancashire project, part-funded by the European Social Fund, aims to develop the skills of employees and embed new leadership and management capabilities in the region’s SMEs, through the delivery of professional Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications. The effects of Covid-19 have prompted businesses and employees of SMEs across the region to seek support to help build resilience among their management teams and for individuals to strengthen their personal portfolio with a nationally recognised qualification.
John Mercer, Associate Director of Edge Hill’s Business School and Director of the University’s Leading Lancashire programme, said: “This is a significant milestone for the Leading Lancashire team that stands testament our expert tutors and the quality and flexibility of their delivery. “The programme has now helped hundreds of local employees and SMEs across the region to motivate and bring out the best in their staff, build efficiency and effectiveness in their business and as we continue to expand the programme, we are looking forward to welcoming even more companies and help them compete in the ever-changing SME sector.” One of the companies that has recently enrolled on the programme is Preston-based Pakawaste, the UK’s leading waste handling equipment and systems provider. 
Pakawaste CEO David Hamer, (pictured above) who was recently named the winner of the prestigious Global 100 – Europe CEO of the Year 2021, said: “As our business continues to grow, offering new products into new sectors, it is important that the team expand their management knowledge and skills to build their confidence and feel valued and supported. The CMI programme at Edge Hill has helped us to build a stronger more coherent team that will stay with us for a long time to continue to move the business forward.” 
The online delivery of the programme has provided David and his team with the flexibility to adapt the course around their busy work, including employee Rachael Almond (pictured above). Rachael joined Pakawaste as a Maintenance Administrator and before long was promoted to Maintenance Manager. Studying the Level 4 Management & Leadership programme, Rachael has built the confidence to view her own performance within the team and adapt different techniques to support her in her approach to tasks and situations.
Leading Lancashire is encouraging applications from females and members of the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) and disabled communities. Priority will be offered to those applications during 2021. Minority groups have been the focus of the leadership project since it began in January 2020 and 69% of applicants have enrolled onto one of the CMI courses available.
The programme is designed to help them develop and formalise their skills and knowledge in leadership and management resulting in greater confidence to stimulate progression into senior roles. Course dates have been added to the Business School programme for 2021 and more information and details of how to apply can be accessed via the website.
Edge Hill’s Business School offers students an environment to grow and develop, enriched by its partnerships with some of the world’s leading universities, key national and regional employers and businesses and with the major professional bodies across its degree subjects.
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