Keele Management School Magazine Issue #9 2939 KMS Venture Magazine.Joomag FINAL AMEND MARC | Page 11

Venture / HELLO 11 Local businesses benefit from Keele Leadership Programme K eele University’s Mercia Centre for Innovation Leadership’s first cohort  of local entrepreneurs and business leaders has completed its leadership development programme. Over the course of six months, the prestigious programme provided support, advice, guidance and coaching from inspiring guest speakers, experienced business practitioners and respected academics to help equip local businesses for future challenges. The first cohort alone, has helped to create twenty new jobs and the introduction of six new to market products and services, with more in the pipeline.  The fully-funded programme is open to small to medium-sized business leaders, early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial social innovators based in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP area. The programme targets those who are looking to develop products and services, achieve scalable routes to market and achieve strategic business growth. Gary Crowe, Professor of Practice and Centre Director for Mercia Centre for Innovation Leadership, said: “We are thrilled with the success of our first cohort; the twenty two participants scored the programme an outstanding nine point three out of ten, while also highly rating the support of our dedicated business coaches. We are looking forward to working with many more local entrepreneurs and business leaders.” Maloney Associates was one of the first companies to take part. The energy and environmental management consultancy was established in 2007 and counts clients such as Manchester United, Liverpool football clubs and Royal Mail within their roster. They are proud to be one of the first companies to be accredited as Low Carbon ISO 50001 Consultants by CIBSE, and have fast become one of the country’s leading consultants in their field with a reputation for delivering substantial energy, cost and carbon savings. Since taking part on the programme,  Maloney Associates are now moving towards their aspiration to become ‘the go-to energy and carbon management people.’ Lesley, of Maloney Associates, said: “Each session is jam packed with inspirational speakers and interactive workshops provided by academics and guest lecturers. I am 100% happy with MCIL; it’s something that’s going to take us forward, and has given me confidence and tools to grow our business.” Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent businesses can benefit from a range of specialist support and funding from Keele University. Interested companies should contact Keele University’s Business Gateway on 01782 733001 or email  [email protected] The MCIL project (ref: 32R15P00229) is part-funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds England Growth Programme 2014-2020. By taking part, businesses can benefit from: 01/ Six two-day sessions of facilitated group learning, led by academics and expert business leaders. 02/ A dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence to provide coaching, advice and guidance, on a one-to-one basis; plus access to Keele academic expertise. 03/ A unique blend of action learning, including one-to-one sessions, peer review, activity-based learning, creative challenge-based activity and self-directed learning. 04/ Development, implementation and review of a practical, innovation-focussed action plan for your business. 05/ Access to the most up-to-date thinking around innovation and social value through the programme delivery, additional innovation master classes and a unique innovation eco-system.