LEAD Programme

LEAD is a £9.5m initiative supported by the North West Regional Development Agency to develop growth in small business.

But LEAD doesn’t just focus on “the business” rather, it looks at the most vital component and resource to the business … the owner/leader!

Leadership programmes are somewhat common place in the corporate, blue chip world but this hasn’t been the case for small business.

LEAD is unique in that it recognises the development of the business leader is linked hand in hand with the growth of the business.

Participants on LEAD have reported a massive increase (average £200k) in turnover in addition to reporting other tangible benefits within the business and its people.

An intensive 10 month programme, LEAD cultivates and nurtures leaders to steer their business through rough waters and focus on the success that lies on the horizon. You know how lonely it can be at the top. How exhausting it can be wearing a number of “hats”. You’ll know only too well, the challenges, hopes and fears of running your business and trying to achieve balance in your work and home life.

LEAD can help you with all of the above. View our LEAD video to find out how it has helped others.

LEAD follows a tried and tested formula developed by NWDA in partnership with Lancaster University.

There are no academic books to read and it isn’t an A to Z of leadership and management theory. Instead it’s about your story. And to help along the way you are able to hear, share and participate in other people’s story of leadership.

Additionally you will have the kind of support that small business generally doesn’t have access to.

In short LEAD contains a number of elements:

• Overnight Experiential – to discover your path, to find out what you are really about
• Masterclass – from industry experts, people who have been there and done it and want to share their stories and recipes with you
• Coaching – your own personal coach to help you work through any issues and break down the barriers to achieving your ultimate goal
• Action Learning –this forum allows you to share and solve the problems that keep you awake at night
• Business Shadow and Exchange – as it sounds you get to swap and share learning with one of your LEAD colleagues to enhance both your businesses.

LEAD is aimed at owner/managers of small businesses (5-50 employees).

 Importantly however, we appreciate the significant commitment of the programme and with that in mind we suggest the ideal LEAD delegate is:

"The right person, in the right place, at the right time"

If this is you, contact us now to find out when the next LEAD preview session is running and we will book you a slot that will help make up your mind about the programme.

And the cost?

For such a comprehensive and unique programme LEAD is already significantly subsidised centrally.

The cost to the small business is £2,000 and you may also apply for Leadership and Management funding and if eligible up to £1000 may be awarded.

We think you will agree this represents extraordinary value for money compared to the potential benefits.

Contact us now on 0844 824 0686 to find out more about LEAD or book your slot on our next “taster” event. 

There are Only 25 places, make sure you register your interest quickly, before they are all taken.

Complete the form top right to register your interest or call us now on

0844 824 0686

LEAD can be delivered across the North West. For a list of other providers please click here to find the most suitable delivery option for your business.