Brunel Business School is working with the Small Business Charter to deliver a specialised government-funded programme for leaders of small businesses to survive and thrive in the coming months and post-coronavirus. This new scheme comes as part of a £20 million package the government is providing to help small businesses in the long term.
To aid business resilience and future growth in the current climate, the Small Business Leadership Programme (SBLP) will create peer groups to develop stronger leadership, innovation, operational efficiency, marketing and finance.
Brunel Business School, part of Brunel University London, was accredited earlier this year by the Small Business Charter, a national accreditation awarded by small businesses to business schools who excel in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the local economy.
Coronavirus has put untold pressure on directors and CEOs of small companies trying to navigate unchartered waters. According to a recent McKinsey online survey of UK SMEs, 80% of small businesses reported their revenues were declining in June in 2020.
The government has made up to £30 billion available to support economic recovery ahead of the autumn, and businesses can continue to draw upon a range of financial support during this challenging time, including loans, tax deferrals and cash grants. The SBLP will help businesses to bounce back from the impact of coronavirus and prepare for any future disruption.
The practical syllabus provides business leaders with access to small business and management experts from Brunel Business School. The SBLP is free and fully funded by the government to enhance small business resilience and recovery from the impact of Covid-19 and develop potential for future growth and productivity.
The short and focused programme will be delivered online through a structured course of eight 90-minute webinars over the course of 10 weeks and will provide the knowledge needed for businesses to tackle crisis situations. It will also give businesses the opportunity to strengthen their business network. Participants will develop strategic leadership skills and the confidence to make informed decisions to boost business performance
Anne Kiem OBE, CEO of Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: “As we continue to grapple with the coronavirus crisis it is also essential we look long term to ensure small businesses are supported to build resilience, survival and growth. Business schools can provide the expertise and knowledge all business owners and directors need to continue to thrive in uncertain times.”
Paul Scully, Small Business Minister, said: “The strength of small businesses up and down the country will be vital as we begin to bounce back from coronavirus and re-build our economy. The Small Business Leadership Programme will help to equip small business leaders with the leadership and problem-solving skills they need to grow their firms in the wake of this pandemic.”
Prof Jane Hendy, Dean of Brunel Business School and Professor and Chair in Organisation Studies, said: “At Brunel Business School, we are excited to be part of this national programme that enables us to continue our efforts in supporting local small businesses.
"We believe the first step for small businesses to bounce back from the impact of coronavirus is to better understand the process of business survival, resilience and growth.
"We will help small businesses adapt, enhance and future-proof themselves. We are ready to welcome small business leaders to kickstart their engagement with our world-class academic expertise, practice-based knowledge, facilities and business partners.”
Find out more about the Small Business Leadership Programme and about Brunel Business School.
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