Lochaber Enterprise has launched a new initiative designed to promote the development of leadership and management skills in small businesses within Lochaber.

The Lochaber Leadership Initiative has been developed as an acknowledgement of the importance of senior management expertise to the local business community and the wider Lochaber economy.

Aimed at owner/managers and senior management staff, its aim is to allow individuals to make the most of their managerial potential, including entrepreneurial and leadership skills. 

This initiative has received support of £49,900 from Lochaber Enterprise and £49,900 from the European Social Fund.  As a result the majority of the process is fully funded, available at no cost to the companies involved.

The process involves a management assessment from which development priorities are agreed and appropriate actions identified.  These could include Management SVQ's, professional qualifications, workshops, Leadership/Management coaching, workshadowing, conferences and seminars etc.

Any agreed development activity will be funded at 75% of the approved cost (up to a maximum of £3,000 per company).

Morven Cameron, head of skills and advisory services at Lochaber Enterprise said: "This new initiative builds on the success of the Business Managers Management Development Programme which has operated over the past 6 years in Lochaber but will prioritise very small businesses - those with less than 20 employees.

"We recognise that this initiative requires higher levels of support due to the substantial costs associated with senior management training so the number of companies participating is limited to 25 in 2004."

Any interested businesses are invited to express their interest no later than 30th January 2004.  If, by that date, more than 25 companies have responded then a pre-selection process may be required.

Expressions of interest should be made by post to: People in Focus, 44 High Street,
Fort William, PH33 6AY; by telephone to: 01397 708888; by e-mail to: benfields@btinternet.com