Tag Archives: training

News

New Filming Studio and Equipment Investment at E-Training World

Multi-award-winning online driver profiling and e-driver training provider E-Training World has made a significant investment in filming facilities and equipment to further upgrade its next-generation online driver profiling and training experience.

In 2023, the company launched its new online driver profiling and e-driver training system after two years of software development and over 5,000 miles of filming. Available on a globally recognised software platform, with a tablet- and mobile-ready experience, the system uses high-definition in-vehicle, roadside and drone video footage to genuinely replicate the on-road experience.

E-Training World has now made a substantial investment in new office space, which includes an additional ‘Green Screen’ studio. The ‘Green Screen’ is an excellent tool for superimposing footage behind actors, and the permanent studio allows for superior sound and lighting when filming training videos, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing best-in-class driver training.

Graham Hurdle, managing director at E-Training World, commented, “Taking filming, editing and production in-house gives us far greater flexibility to produce high-quality driver training modules. We have also invested in staff training for drone flying, filming and editing, as well as hi-tech cameras, sound equipment, lighting and drones. In the videos, we are using actors who have been in TV advertising and some well-known dramas. This investment in high-quality production means we can provide engaging training experiences at the leading-edge of driver training solutions.”

E-Training World is a two-time winner of the BusinessCar Techies’ Best Risk Management’ Award and a company that pioneered online driver profiling and training. As well as serving some of the largest fleet operators in the UK, they provide branded/white-labelled systems to many of the best-known companies in the fleet sector.

Aerospace, News, Training, Travel

SkyPeople Training soars as it helps aviation industry tackle cabin crew shortage

A specialist training provider is seeing demand take off as it helps the aviation industry tackle a huge global shortage of cabin crew.

According to Canadian flight crew training company CAE’s 2023 Aviation Talent Forecast, almost 600,000 cabin crew staff will be needed globally over the next 10 years.

Ryanair alone has unveiled plans to recruit 10,000 staff over the next decade as it expands its fleet with hundreds of new aircraft.

SkyPeople Training has seen dramatic growth in demand this year for the hands-on programmes it runs for students from colleges and universities across the UK which are educating the next generation of cabin crew.

So far in 2024, SkyPeople Training has worked with more than 40 UK colleges and universities and more than 25 airlines across the UK and Europe. The number of college and university students attending its sessions so far this year is approaching 1,000 and has nearly trebled compared with the same period in 2023.

SkyPeople Training, which delivers courses across the UK and internationally, has expanded its bespoke aviation training academy in Manchester as a result of the increase in student numbers attending the facility, where it also provides training for existing cabin crew and pilots employed by passenger and cargo airlines worldwide.

Its training includes theory and practical sessions on how to tackle a number of emergency situations on board, such as firefighting, smoke-filled cabins and evacuations.

It has recently added a new classroom at its academy as well as a mid-exit door for the Boeing 737 Max jet, with an entire replica Boeing 737 flight deck due to come later in the year.

The business is accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority as a cabin crew training organisation and security training provider, with a rating of ‘outstanding’.

This accreditation enables SkyPeople Training to provide the Attestation of Initial Cabin Crew safety training. All cabin crew working on UK-registered aircraft must possess the qualification.

SkyPeople Training also supports airlines by developing their training manuals, designing their training courses and delivering the product directly to their crew.

It has won recognition from industry experts in crew training, with invitations to deliver keynote speeches at events in the United States, Portugal and Vietnam.

Mike Lawson, SkyPeople’s training, project and outreach manager, said aspiring cabin crew benefit greatly from the hands-on experience they gain at the company’s academy.

“Recruitment is a significant challenge for airlines, and our academy is helping them to plug the gaps in their workforce,” he said.

“There’s an evolution in the way cabin crew training is delivered, shifting towards being competency-based. Historically, entrants had to take a paper examination and undergo an assessment.

“Hands-on experience is now seen as an increasingly necessary part of the curriculum for students looking to embark on their cabin crew careers. Providing that in our academy helps get the students ready for a professional working environment.

“This type of practical training is also beneficial for those already working in the industry who are seeking to gain the Cabin Crew Attestation or looking to grow in their careers.

“It’s an attractive career that provides long-term, meaningful opportunities. Our track record over more than a decade, combined with the recent additional facilities at the academy, means we are in a strong position to help bridge the gap between education and industry.

“Our close ties with a number of leading carriers enables us to help students find cabin crew roles once they successfully complete their courses, as they can register their interest in jobs that become available through our links with airlines.

“In 2023, we mentored a group of final-year aviation management students at Manchester Metropolitan University, getting them industry-ready and linking them to employment opportunities.

“In addition, this June we will be hosting our second Travel & Tourism, Aviation and Cabin Crew Lecturers Conference, which will be an opportunity for college lecturers from across the UK to join us for a day of CPD training delivered by ourselves and our airline partners, including Aer Lingus UK, British Airways and Ryanair’s recruitment partner Cabin Crew International.

“The recent investment to expand the academy demonstrates our confidence in the future of the business and our commitment to providing the most up-to-date training to enhance safety and competence across the industry.

“We’re extremely proud of our facility, which through continuous improvement we believe makes it the best independently-owned training centre of its kind in the UK, if not Europe.”

Donna Feeny, Head of Travel, Food and Drink at Leeds City College, said: “Our strong employer partnership with SkyPeople allows our students to experience first- class industry training. The skills they learn during their training fosters a seamless transition into a career in aviation.”

SkyPeople, which has eight permanent team members and a flexible network of 80 trainers, was acquired last year by Manchester-headquartered EDM, which manufactures and assembles training simulators for sectors including civil aviation, defence and rail industries.

Hospitality, HR, News

New HR managers’ research on attractiveness of hospitality professions released in Sommet Education Foundation launch

Sommet Education, a leading worldwide player in hospitality education boasting a community of 10,000 students and 60,000 influential alumni worldwide, has launched its Foundation, a significant milestone aimed at supporting employment challenges within the hospitality sector.

The Foundation will concentrate on tackling the sector’s employment challenges by focusing on two levers of action: offering scholarships for hospitality education to talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and advocating for careers and professions in hospitality.

 

Empowering individuals from underserved communities to pursue rewarding careers in hospitality

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with the travel and tourism sector projected to provide employment for 449 million people worldwide by 2034, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). By then, 12.2% of the global workforce will be powering this vibrant sector. Despite these promising figures, many destinations and hospitality employers continue to face recruitment challenges.

Drawing on Sommet Education’s long-standing commitment to developing hospitality talent, the Sommet Education Foundation will leverage its global network of hospitality schools (Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Invictus, and Indian School of Hospitality) to train and open doors to careers in this industry for individuals from diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Sommet Education Foundation will identify talents supported by a network of social partners, including UN agencies, governmental entities and NGOs. Talents will be selected in alignment with the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 4, focusing on inclusive education. Funding and support will be provided to educate and empower, particularly youth from impoverished backgrounds and women, while also creating lifelong learning opportunities and ensuring talents are gainfully employed within the sector.

 

Sommet Education Foundation patronage

“Joining the hospitality industry is more than a job guarantee; it is a promise of a rewarding and fulfilling career nurtured by human encounters, passion, cultural exchanges, and experiences,” said Anouck Weiss, Executive Vice-President at Sommet Education Foundation. “By offering scholarships leading to employment opportunities, we aim at offering life-changing opportunities to a new generation of talents and empowering them with the necessary skills to join the thriving hospitality industry.”

The Foundation can already count on Accor as a Founding Patron. The hospitality group has already committed to promoting talent development, fostering social equality, and bolstering economic growth through a first dedicated initiative in India. Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Accor, said: “As a leading hospitality group, investing in people’s talent is a key priority. Hospitality is a sector that transcends territories and borders. This implies open-mindedness and connection to others. I am proud to be in a sector that promotes cross-border work experiences and multicultural environments”.

Echoing his views, Anne-Sophie Beraud, SVP Diversity & Inclusion & Social Care at Accor, added: “The success of our employees must not be determined by diplomas, origins or nationalities. We want to guarantee each of our talents the opportunity to reach their full potential by preventing inequalities and discrimination.”

Promoting hospitality professions: survey shows strong sector attractiveness and employer voluntarism to attract and retain new talents

 

To inform the Foundation’s roadmap and strategic direction, the Sommet Education Foundation engaged OpinionWay, a pioneering market research institute, to conduct a comprehensive European survey to identify the key factors that attract and retain talents in the hospitality industry. 1,300 young professionals and hospitality HR managers across Europe were interviewed, along with 20 key industry leaders (below) encompassing the broader spectrum of the sector, including hotels, restaurants, travel, tourism, independent, medium-sized and large hotel groups, and high-end retail.

Alain Ducasse, Chef and Founder, École Ducasse

Carole Pourchet, Director General, Majorian

Christelle Grisoni, CEO, Bertrand Hospitality

Christian Catiello, Manager Director Organization, Alpitour World

Christopher Jones, Director General, Brioche Dorée

Cyril Baron, General Manager, Caviar House & Prunier

Eric Frechon, Chef, Meilleur Ouvrier de France

Isabelle de Bardies, Director General – CEO Division, Angelina

Jade Frommer, Co-Founder and CEO, Ephemera

Katrin Melle, Regional Vice President DEI & Talent EAME, Hyatt

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mandarin Oriental

Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice-President, WTTC

Marion Amacker, Associate Director, Morgan Philipps Executive Search

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Nathalie Seiler Hayez, Managing Director, Swiss Deluxe Hotels

Philippe Héry, Managing Director, Hippopotamus

Pierre-Olivier Aguinalin, Chief HR Officer, Hublot (until February 2024)

Sabine Masseglia, Managing Director, St Barts Tourism

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Accor

Tigrane Seydoux, Co-Founder, Big Mamma

The research found that the service sector holds considerable appeal for 85% of young professionals across Europe. Three-quarters of young European professionals would be ready to join high-end hotels, restaurants and retail shops, praising the career opportunities, especially internationally, and the people-to-people connections. The survey confirms the overall challenge of the sector throughout Europe, with 59% of HR managers facing employment challenges. 78% state that Generation Z (18 to 28 years old) brings specific challenges around identification, recruitment and loyalty.

 

Hospitality’s unique promise fuels optimism in the sector

Professionals within the sector are resolutely convinced of the depth and appeal of their respective fields, the survey found, with an overwhelming 86% expressing confidence in the sector’s allure. Moreover, they exhibit unwavering faith in their ability to sustain employee commitment, rating it at an impressive 7.5 out of 10.

This sector offers pathways for individuals to advance socially and professionally, regardless of their educational background. It stands out as one of the few industries where individuals can achieve rapid success and take on greater responsibilities over time, effectively climbing the social ladder. This unique promise of upward mobility makes it particularly appealing to many. Furthermore, employers place a premium on motivation, soft skills and service-oriented personalities, prioritising these qualities over formal diplomas and are ready to invest in their talents. The overwhelming majority – 93% of HR managers – emphasise the centrality of training in fostering talent excellence, development and long-term loyalty.

On this subject, Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental, shared: “Architects design the buildings of tomorrow. I would like people coming out of hospitality schools to be able to design the experience of tomorrow.”

News, Training, Training & Apprenticeships

Loyalty platform offers free training certifications to help loyalty pros upskill

Loyalty platform Antavo Loyalty Cloud is offering free training courses and certifications to people looking to upskill in customer loyalty.

The business will offer 100 free training certifications during the month of May to support marketing professionals to bolster their CVs with practical customer loyalty skills. The certification will provide people with a means to gain new knowledge to enter the loyalty industry as well as to open the door to new work opportunities for those already working within loyalty.

Customer loyalty is an important element of brand building, with loyalty initiatives accounting for an average of 32% of marketing spend each year. Yet with economic uncertainty and the onset of recession, job losses in marketing functions are beginning to be felt. Two in five (18%) of recruiters reported noticing job losses from the start of 2023.

Meanwhile, career opportunities within loyalty specifically are expanding. Over 90% of brands already running loyalty programmes report that they aim to revamp their program and 65% to replatform their technology within the next three years.

Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Antavo, was recently named Loyalty Personality of the Year at the International Loyalty Awards in recognition of her commitment to the development of the loyalty sector. She said: “The importance of customer loyalty is often overlooked, as businesses take existing customers for granted. But smart organisations have customer and loyalty teams, whose sole focus is to make existing customers happy. It’s a rapidly growing field. That’s why we launched the Antavo Academy, which offers training to help people in the sector further develop their skills.

“People faced job losses in marketing, customer engagement and sometimes loyalty. Many freelancers operating in this space face regular pressure to win new work. To help all these people we’re offering free training and certifications to help people upskill themselves, update their CVs and bring their talent into the loyalty sector,” she added.

“The loyalty industry is growing. Over a third of marketing budgets on average are now dedicated to customer loyalty and the rate of adoption for loyalty programmes among businesses is accelerating. The value of the loyalty market is projected to grow from $6.47bn in 2023 to $28.65bn by 2030, signifying that the sector that is very much on the up.”

Loyalty programmes are commonplace among brands operating in both consumer and B2B spaces. The 2024 Antavo Global Customer Loyalty Report indicated that nine in 10 businesses run a loyalty programme. A majority of consumers (79%) participate in at least one loyalty programme and 90% are more likely to buy from brands which they believe understand their buying preferences.

The Antavo Academy will provide 100 scholarships throughout the month of May 2024. Applications are now open by visiting Antavo.

News

Management training continues to drive success at Europa

At a dynamic time of change within the industry, Europa Worldwide Group is arming its managers with the skills necessary to drive success.

Now employing over 1,400 staff globally, over the past 10-years Europa has trebled its workforce and increased its international footprint, bringing with it a greater need for training and development.

Robust management training can equip managers to provide better customer communication, an enhanced service and a more effective operation.

But, a Chartered Management Institute survey of 4,500 UK workers, reported that 82 per cent of those in management positions were described as ‘accidental managers’, with little training or qualifications. In addition, according to data from YouGov most logistics managers do not hold a university degree or equivalent qualifications (63 per cent).

Europa, recognising that business success is not simply based on technology and infrastructure, is challenging these statistics head on.  In 2023 the company launched its own formal 12-month Management Training Programme, upskilling leaders across the business. This is the latest innovation from Europa to ensure quality and consistency throughout the operation.

Already 70 senior managers from its 18 UK sites have successfully achieved the bespoke Europa Management Training certification and a new cohort of 60 is currently taking part in the 11-module programme.

The Europa Management Training Programme introduces managers to new concepts and practices, offering new tactics to allow them to keep pace with the dynamic environment.

Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director, Europa Worldwide Group comments “Europa has recently experienced rapid growth; so, enabling our team with effective management skills is vital. This is a significant investment in our people, it’s important we give our managers all the tools they need to grow, support their own teams and ultimately provide the best service available to our customers.”

Recognising the vast and diverse training needs across the business, Europa’s Learning & Development team has increased threefold over the past two years, as well as using the latest platforms and technologies to support innovative learning pathways.

Europa believes that the development of its people is a fundamental part of sustaining success. The first cohort on the Management Training Programme includes several Sales and Customer Service Branch Managers from its road freight operation Europa Road.

Hayley Callachan, was promoted to the role of Customer Service Branch Manager in Glasgow, a year and a half ago and comments; “The training programme has made me confident in dealing with difficult conversations and has equipped me with the tools I need to resolve any conflicts within the team.”

Ben Geddis, Sales Branch Manager at one of Europa’s most established branches in Bristol adds; “The training has been invaluable to me and my team. I would say it is a massive factor in the success of what we are achieving. Not only do I understand my team more, but they also feel more valued which in turn increases their performance.”

It is widely recognised that good, formally trained managers can support higher levels of innovation and better workplace cultures, driving standards of excellence. Europa’s Learning & Development Manager Alison Flannery concludes “Our Management Training is delivered through a creative mix of classroom, remote and eLearning packages and this dynamic, bespoke approach is already delivering success across the business, helping grow and nurture our talented team to become even stronger.”

Healthcare, HR, News, North of England, Training, Training News

PAM Group takes a leap forward with new training academy

Occupational health and corporate health services provider PAM Group has opened a dedicated training academy to enhance the learning and development of its workforce.

The PAM Academy is based on the ground floor of a two-storey building at Mandarin Court in Warrington.

The 4,000sq ft building houses client services teams for PAM’s Wellness Solutions division on the first floor alongside the group’s IT support staff.

PAM Group founder and chief executive James Murphy said the academy fulfils a long-held ambition to create a bespoke training centre for clinical and non-clinical staff. It features a series of fully-equipped replica clinics and an audio booth where PAM Group specialists can train in a realistic setting.

The academy space will also be used to stage training courses and sessions for clients, covering topics such as mental health awareness, neurodiversity and health and wellbeing in the workplace.

PAM Wellness Solutions’ client services teams have relocated from the group’s corporate headquarters in Warrington and other sites, bringing together under one roof those running the group’s employee assistance programme, physiotherapy and occupational health advisory services. The open-plan upper floor can accommodate 50 staff.

James said: “I’m passionate that PAM becomes the employer of choice for people wishing to start or develop their careers in the fields in which we operate, and the academy is a leap forward for this.

“It’s common, for example, for people from the nursing profession to join us to start their journeys as occupation health professionals.

“We are developing a new career path framework for our colleagues, branded as the Elevate Programme. This will enhance routes for career development across the group, and the facilities at the new academy provide an effective and engaging space to host the learning opportunities on offer through the programme, in a bespoke environment.”

He added: “It’s a very versatile building where we can also hold departmental and inter-departmental meetings, planning sessions and workshops.

“In terms of the client services teams, the building provides a tremendous space to bring people together and improve efficiency by inspiring greater collaboration, engagement and teamwork in a stimulating working environment.”

The Mandarin Court site is a high-spec office building which PAM Group has fitted out to include a breakout area and meeting rooms as well as office space and training facilities. It has parking for 20 vehicles.

PAM Group is a major provider of occupational health, health screening and wellbeing services across the UK and Ireland. It offers a range of integrated services to public and private sector clients, supporting more than a million employees at over 1,000 businesses and organisations.

Its services include psychological support, corporate health assessments, ergonomic and assistive technology products, mobile health screening, drug and alcohol screening and a pathology laboratory. The group operates a network of 25 clinics. It also has a retail arm which supplies fitness, exercise and rehabilitation equipment to consumers, sports clubs and sports and physiotherapy professionals.

PAM, which employs more than 750 people, posted revenues of £53m for 2023 and is on track to reach £68m this year. PAM is looking to grow turnover to £90m over the next few years through continued organic expansion and further acquisitions.

The group is backed by private equity firm LDC to support its growth and the launch of new products and services.

Apprenticeships, Awards, News, North of England

Mechanic Lewis crowned apprentice of the year by Kinaxia Logistics

A young mechanic who helps to service and maintain Kinaxia Logistics’ fleet of lorries has won the company’s apprentice of the year award.

Lewis Brockbank, 20, joined Kinaxia in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.

He is based at Kinaxia group company Bay Freight in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Lewis was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.

Dave said: “Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player. He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.

“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”

The training provider for Lewis’s apprenticeship is Mantra Learning. He is one of eight apprentices currently employed by Kinaxia. The group is recruiting for up to 10 apprentices this year.

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Lewis, who lives in Mottram, Tameside, Greater Manchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful. It really means a lot.”

He added: “Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College. Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.

“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.

“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who may be considering one.”

Kinaxia is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.

Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”

News

Crowds flock to returning business expo following pandemic shutdown

THE return of a much-anticipated business expo and trade show was a major success.

More than 125 visitors attended the popular North Wales Means Business Conference at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

As well as talks and presentations from prominent names in education and the private and public sectors, there were breakout sessions led by experts from the acclaimed ION Leadership and 20Twenty Leading Growth programmes, supported by the European Social Fund.

Organised by Bangor Business School, the event was held for the first time in-person since 2019, and among the special guests were MC Gary Johnson – aka Front Guy Gary; best-selling author Sarah Owen; coach and consultant Jacky Leonard and Dr Annette Crowley-Luke, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers, based in Llanberis.

Lorraine Hopkins, Head of the Leading Business Growth Programmes at Bangor Business School, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to see so many people in attendance, it was fantastic to have everyone together under one roof for what turned out to be a very positive exhibition and trade show.

“We had more than 40 businesses showcasing their products and services and a great crowd of people who enjoyed the informative and engaging talks and presentations, including the thoughts of graduates from our ION Leadership and 20Twenty programmes.

“Thanks to everyone who came along on the day, we look forward to seeing you next year!”

Nicola Sturrs, Programme Manager for Help to Grow Management and Business Development Manager for the ION Leadership Programme, added: “Following the challenges of past years it was heartening to see such a response from companies across North Wales and beyond.

“We have welcomed more than a thousand delegates onto our courses over the last 13 years so this was a real celebration of the impact these programmes have had on a range of different sectors, whether that be through professional development, strategy or marketing and financial planning.

“These programmes continue to bring benefits to many different organisations and that was reflected in the brilliant presentations delivered on the day.

“And, just as importantly, they have helped forge new links and partnerships that continue to go from strength to strength, having a lasting impact on the local economy and creating friendships that enable alumni to share best practice, offer guidance and work together, now and in the future.”

Visit Help to Grow Management Course, to find out more about Help to Grow, delivered at Bangor Business School in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University.

News

Leading voices from industry and education to headline returning Wales business expo

LEADING voices from education, finance and industry will unite for a prominent business expo.

The much-anticipated North Wales Means Business Conference and Trade Show returns to Venue Cymru in Llandudno from 9am-4pm on Thursday (June 1).

The event was held online during the Covid-19 pandemic, so organisers at Bangor Business School are thrilled to be able to bring people back together under one roof for a stellar series of talks, breakout sessions, and an exhibition featuring some of the region’s top companies.

Among the special guests are David Roberts from The Alternative Board (TAB), chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) and of the Institute of Directors in North Wales; best-selling author and DiSCsimple supremo Sarah Owen; Greg Parry, a Learning and Evaluation Manager at Bangor Business School, and Jacky Leonard, who has more than 25 years’ cross-sector experience as a facilitator, coach, and manager.

There will also be presentations from graduates of the ION Leadership and 20Twenty Leading Growth programmes, including Dr Annette Crowley-Luke, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in Llanberis, and Caroline Platt, Managing Director of Platts Agriculture, Wrexham.

Lorraine Hopkins, Head of the Leading Business Growth Programmes, said: “This year’s conference marks a very special occasion for North Wales businesses and the team here at Bangor Business School.

“I for one feel very privileged to be part of it as it is a celebration of 13 years of delivering training to over a thousand business owners, leaders, and managers, funded by the European Social Fund.

“It is also recognition of the impact this training has had on our business economy.”

She added: “We know that programmes like ION and 20Twenty can contribute to up to 20% growth for participating businesses, and equally beneficial are the connections we have seen made over the years, establishing new supply chains for example, increased employment and the creation of some incredible commercial ventures.

“The Leading Business Growth network is hugely valuable for the region, and the conference also commends all the hard work that has been put into growing it – we look forward to seeing you there.”

MC for the conference will once again be Gary Johnson – aka Front Guy Gary – and there will be a charity raffle draw. The agenda will also include a welcome from Stephen Jones, Director of Business Relations and Executive Education at Bangor Business School, refreshments, and networking.

To book your ticket or register for a trade stand at the conference, visit: Leading Business Growth – Conferences | Prifysgol Bangor University. For the latest news and information on the day, follow the hashtag #NWMB23.

Alternatively, visit the websites www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com and www.ionleadership.co.uk.

News

Research confirms executive education boosts personal, professional and organisational life-wide learning

Supporting managers and executives to pursue ‘life-wide learning’ through Executive Education can provide both professional and personal benefits that are felt by the wider organisation and colleagues, according to a recent study by Lancaster University Management School in the UK.

Undertaken by Professors Martin Brigham, Mike Reynolds and Lucas Introna, the study investigated the wider impact of learning on executive education participants from its International Masters Programme for Managers (IMPM). The researchers surveyed 76 participants from over 600 alumni who had studied between 2000-2019, asking them to consider the personal, professional and organisational impacts the program may have had.

The results show that a third of managers surveyed not only benefitted academically, but noted a significant personal change beyond professional expectations including widening their perspectives, elevating their confidence and engagement with complexity:

“Participants showed a real personal and professional change which they also brought back to their organisations, with some accounts of more empathetic and ethical business practices. Unlike most programs we’ve focus on the management education philosophy within the classroom. Changing what managers do in practice back in their workplace starts with changing how they are educated and learn,” highlights Dr Brigham, Worldwide Academic Director for the IMPM.

The IMPM cohort provided a global snapshot of management and self-development attitudes. Founded by management icon Professor Henry Mintzberg at McGill University, and soon to welcome its 25th cohort, the IMPM has become internationally recognised for transforming the practice of management around the world by bringing a global class of experienced managers, accomplished executives and entrepreneurs together to explore the latest management thinking and challenge their pre-existing ideas and broaden their perspectives new insights.

The program is taught across five partner universities: Lancaster University in the UK, McGill University in Canada, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in India. Yokohoma National University in Japan, and at FGV-EBAPE in Brazil. Central to the teaching of the IMPM is the concept of ‘life-wide learning’; enabling managers to become proficient in a complex variety beyond the functions and disciplines that make up modern business practice. Whilst life-long learning promotes self-development throughout time, life-wide learning seeks to develop meaningful insight and connections across business, personal and organisations, and society.

“Reflection is a core thread of the program. It is not something that happens in solitude or exile – it is something that can be stirred and encouraged through peer collaboration, shared experiences emphasising the context of action, immersive roundtable dialogue, and interaction with a diversity organisations and different places around the world,” emphasises Dr Brigham. “What our study showed is that executive education, life-wide learning, and the reflection that is necessary for both leaves not only lasting positive personal and professional impacts, but adds to businesses too. At a time is significant business uncertainty, this is the future of serious and thoughtful management education and learning – business education impacts what managers do in practice, the concepts they draw on that shape the future of business so what is taught and how it is taught becomes of a vital responsibility for business schools.”

Indeed, the study found that not only did the program’s participants benefit directly from pursuing further management education, but their companies also found advantages through opportunities to upskill their middle managers and staff across the organisation. Uniquely, responses showed many participants as alumni are empowered to create tailored internalised development programs for their own executives and teams based on their study experiences, with the support of the IMPM faculty.

Organisations including CoachingOurselves in Canada, the Alliance for Public Health in Ukraine, and the Brazilian National Development Bank, were each discovered to have developed programmes based upon IMPM learning to further support and develop their staff.

One participant, who studied whilst working as the HRD of the Brazilian National Development Bank, reported creating their own ‘mini-IMPM’ at the company, which created “the only forum where from where people from different functions and hierarchical levels can meet to reflect on common and professional challenges. This innovation had significant organisational impact creating internal cohesion and a shared vision of challenges and opportunities.”

As well as the professional gains, IMPM participants also noted “significant personal development” as a result of learning with a highly diverse set of professionals, and a better understanding of varying social, cultural and technological mindsets.

Another participant, who completed the IMPM whilst holding the role of COO at Ameco in China said that despite” participating in various management development programs during their professional career, none of them created a fundamental personal transition in the way that IMPM did.”

Dr Brigham says;

“The insights we’ve uncovered highlight exactly why it’s so important for businesses not only to consider encouraging their staff to pursue life-wide learning opportunities, but to also explore such opportunities outside of their company, or even their industry. The benefits of gaining from the knowledge, cultural background, immersive experience and perspectives found among participants of programmes like the IMPM show that professional development goes beyond gaining qualifications. Executive Education can provide the best of both worlds for better management education and practice worldwide.”

To learn more, visit https://impm.org/