Small and medium size businesses (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, with 5.9 million UK private sector businesses contributing an estimated £2.2 trillion to GDP in 20191.
Despite a 3.5% growth in the business population between 2018 and 2019, business confidence reports remain conflicting. A quick Google search for ‘2020 SME business confidence’ resulted in these two articles sitting next to each other – quite a juxtaposition.
However, one area where there is alignment, is how undeveloped management and leadership skills is impacting SMEs’ business confidence and growth.
Businesses large, medium and small, all share the challenge of ‘accidental managers’, where someone is promoted into a managerial position without having any prior formal training. They often have to learn on-the-job, and will not always have access to the skills and knowledge required to make the most effective and efficient decisions for the business.
It’s these soft skills and knowledge gaps that are preventing businesses from being able to tackle the plethora of challenges faced each day and grow to meet their objectives.
So, what cost-effective things can you do to develop management and leadership skills in your small or medium size business?
The answer is simple: take advantage of 95% government funding and send up to three people from your business on a management and leadership apprenticeship programme.
Wait, apprenticeship? How does that work, isn’t that for school leavers?
Modern apprenticeships cover all levels of skills development from school leaver through to degree level apprenticeships, and here at KnowledgeBrief, we specialise in management and leadership apprenticeships that Inspire Leadership at all Levels and deliver real business outcomes.
These management and leadership apprenticeship programmes are 95% funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, meaning as an SME you only have to contribute 5% of the total cost.
This means you can send one of your team on a Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship, which is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, from as little as £13 per month.
All of our programmes focus on applied learning which has an immediate benefit to your business, teams and employees.
Programmes also take advantage of our 12-years’ experience designing and delivering management and leadership training programmes for the world’s biggest brands.
You now have the same advantage!
We have three programmes available, covering the core management and leadership skills required by SMEs:
Level 2: Customer Service Practitioner
Integral to supporting an organisation’s objectives are core capabilities such as: supplying a customer focused experience, stakeholder management and understanding organisational growth. The Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship is perfect for any professionals dealing with internal or external stakeholders, who are keen to grow in their role and organisation and see an immediate positive impact on their business. Learn more>>>
Level 3: Team Leader/Supervisor
For new or aspiring managers, the Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor programme is Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited and aligned to the ESFA standard and assessment requirements. This programme provides the perfect foundation for a successful career in management. Learn more>>>
Level 5: Operations/Departmental Manager
This programme is designed for experienced managers and leaders, and is ESFA and Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited. It will provide advanced leadership techniques which are focused on supporting the organisation’s wider strategic objectives. Learn more>>>
How do I reserve my funding?
If you do not already have an apprenticeship service account, you first need to set up an account on the apprenticeship service website and accept the terms and conditions. You don’t need to pay any money or provide any payment details.
If you already have an account and use the apprenticeship service, you can ask us to reserve your funding for you.
If you would like to find out more about our inspiring leadership and management apprenticeships for SMEs, and how we can help you access 95% government funding, get in touch to arrange a no-obligation introductory call with one of our leadership consultants.
https://www.fsb.org.uk/uk-small-business-statistics.html