Santander & WMG announce a score of places for SME senior managers in business leadership programme

16 Jul 2014 | Network Updates | Update from University of Warwick
These updates are republished press releases and communications from members of the Science|Business Network
A new initiative to provide business leadership training for 20 senior managers from fast growing SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) has just been launched by WMG, at the University of Warwick, in partnership with Santander.

The postgraduate award programme has received £40,000 of support from Santander, which will significantly reduce the cost of the programme that will give senior SME managers the opportunity to boost their ability to lead and embed innovation in their organisations. The scheme was launched, at WMG, at an event attended by a number of leading SMEs in the region as well senior figures from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the EEF and Tata Motors.

Dr Mark Swift Head of SME Programmes at WMG said:

“The new programme blends WMG’s longstanding experience of delivering executive education and cutting edge research with a suite of additional support from Santander’s SME Breakthrough Scheme, networking opportunities and innovative product and service technology.”

“The emphasis of the programme is to equip the leaders of today and tomorrow with the very best tools to encourage and embed a culture of innovation. We will teach participants about the latest modes of management as well as offering hands on experience of using new technology to grow and develop a business.”

The programme consists of five three days modules delivered over the course of a year covering:

The Strategic Innovation Context
Leading, Managing and Building Skills
Innovation, Operational Efficiency and Quality
Financial and Commercial Awareness and Funding
Selling, Marketing and Reputation Management
John Williams, Head of Santander’s Breakthrough Programme said:

“We are delighted to support this programme, which will offer 20 individuals from growing SMEs a fantastic opportunity to transform the way they run their businesses. Santander is committed to helping UK businesses prosper and our unique Breakthrough programme helps fast-growth businesses fulfil their potential through a programme of capital and support.”

Sarah Cox, Business Development Director at leading events company Mayridge Ltd said:

“I am really excited about participating in this programme. The content cuts across a broad range of business themes and having 19 other senior managers to share ideas with during the programme will be really advantageous to our innovation goals.”

The cost per individual to participate is £2,500. Upon successful completion of the programme, individuals will receive a post graduate award from the University of Warwick and they can use the credits from that course as part of the path towards a full Masters degree.

To register an interest in the programme please email [email protected] or call 02476 575 594.

Never miss an update from Science|Business:   Newsletter sign-up