ALUMNI of an acclaimed leadership course are collecting pearls of wisdom on key issues facing North Wales employers post-pandemic.

Led by Bangor University Business School and exclusive to graduates of the 20Twenty leadership programme – targeting firms in Wrexham, north Powys and Flintshire – Wisdom Labs have covered a wide range of topics from marketing and strategy to attracting and retaining talent.

The most recent session was held at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham and delivered by Learning and Evaluation Manager Greg Parry.

He was joined by Sarah Ellwood, managing director of award-winning Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps, and Radar PR director Martin Williams, two-time PRCA Cymru Professional of the Year.

They spoke about factors impacting on the recruitment arena, from the current candidate-driven market to how best to get your messages out to clients, using publicity, PR, and the media to support brand reputation.

“It was fantastic to have Sarah and Martin join us for what was a brilliant event,” said Greg.

“We had a great turnout and there several takeaways for the businesses in attendance at what is a challenging time for all industries, notably around recruitment.

“We thank everyone for coming and look forward to the next Wisdom Lab session later this month.”

The 18^th – and final – 20Twenty programme is underway, having enjoyed a successful period and welcomed more than 1,000 participants from more than a hundred organisations across north east Wales.

The upcoming Wisdom Lab will be delivered by David Roberts, chair of the IoD (Institute of Directors) for North Wales, and founder of The Alternative Board. That will be held on Friday November 19 at Xplore!

20Twenty Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker said: “These sessions are invaluable for businesses and will be a fantastic legacy for 20Twenty.

“We have supported companies and individuals from across the region and helped participants with their personal and professional development, so to bring them together and continue that relationship is heartening.

“When we hear of how pivotal the courses have been in enabling individuals and businesses to grow – especially through the pandemic – it makes us so proud.

“We are delighted there is a platform for them to continue networking and sharing best practice and their experiences with each other for years to come.”

For more information, email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk or visit the website: www.20TwentyBusinessGrowth.com.   

AN AWARD-WINNING family firm approaching its 50^th anniversary has gone from strength to strength thanks to the prestigious 20Twenty leadership programme.

Caroline Platt, Managing Director of Platts Agriculture Ltd in Llay, Wrexham, was among the first business owners to complete the course, which is 80% funded and available to all companies in Wrexham, Flintshire and north Powys.

Since Caroline graduated in 2018, four members of the current team have attended the programme; Financial Director Ian Hall, Group Transport Manager Ashley Wood, Head of HR Nerys Price-Jones – who graduated with a previous employer – and Nadia McKane, Sales and Marketing Manager.

Having taken on new staff since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and launched a haulage business, Platts is one of the most respected companies in the region and was even named UK Family Firm of the Year at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Awards recently.

Now employing up to 65 staff and with plans for further expansion, Caroline thanked 20Twenty for the positive impact it has played in their strategic growth.

“I learnt so much on the programme about leadership and management, but also from the rest of the group,” she said.

“We all came at things from different angles but were able to share best practice and the networking aspect proved invaluable.

“I still have close links with many of the cohort and through 20Twenty’s Wisdom Labs I’m able to continue my personal and professional journey, all of which plays a part in the growth of our company.”

Caroline added: “I encouraged other members of the team to enrol for that reason, we can all work closely to realise long-term goals while maintaining the warm, welcoming culture we have at Platts, which has always put people before profits.

“I can’t recommend 20Twenty enough to anyone in a leadership position, the blend of education, support and industry knowledge will give you the tools to thrive, whatever the industry.”

20Twenty Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker says Platts Agriculture Ltd is a beacon of inspiration for other organisations considering a place on the next CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5-7 cohort of senior managers, owners, and directors, which begins in September.

“Caroline was among the first to ever graduate, and since then has been a huge supporter of the programme,” she added.

“We have been on the journey with them, as other members of the team completed the course, growing in confidence and bringing their own ideas to the business.

“To watch them thrive in their roles over the years and know how much they have taken from our programmes is a huge source of pride – congratulations to you all.”

Places are still available for the September programmes – which are 80% funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Welsh Government and delivered in Wrexham via a joint partnership between Bangor University and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

For more information and to sign up, email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk or visit the website: www.20TwentyBusinessGrowth.com.

Visit www.plattsagriculture.co.uk for more news and information from Platts Agriculture Ltd.

NOTES: The 20Twenty Business Growth Programme is the only leadership and management course in Wales to offer an optional progression route from CMI Level 4 to CMI Level 7, including a Postgraduate Certificate, an Executive MBA and Chartered Manager Award. The programme is delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University in partnership with Bangor University and subsidised by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

‘WISDOM LABS’ are helping prominent North Wales businesses emerge from the pandemic in a position of strategic and emotional strength.

The sessions are led by Bangor University Business School and exclusive to alumni of the 20Twenty leadership programme, targeting firms in Wrexham, north Powys and Flintshire.

Pilot workshops have been held by Learning and Evaluation Manager Greg Parry with acclaimed companies on themes including Goals and Purpose, New Mindset – Emotional Control, and Your Individual Wellbeing Plan.

Among those to take part was Allington Hughes Solicitors, based in Chester, Wrexham and Llanrwst.

Managing Director Alison Stace said: “From the feedback we’ve received, staff found the course was very practicable in providing tools to help individuals address coping mechanisms, and isolation – it was made clear we are not alone and raised awareness of relevant issues.

“Learning what you can and can’t control was really helpful, and the ‘emotional wheel’ that formed part of the session is now used as a daily reference point – it was brilliant.”

More than 1,000 participants have joined 20Twenty programmes over the years; they now form a select group who can network with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, identify opportunities, and look at further ways to work together.

Next up is Llangollen-based AN Richards transport solutions, whose Company Secretary Johanna Cooke is a long-time supporter of the project.

“The Wisdom Lab network gives me a great opportunity to meet with like-minded business leaders to discuss the trials and tribulations of running your own organisation,” said Johanna.

“The sessions offered by 20Twenty give a topical insight into solutions for real life challenges and important time out from the day to day running of the business to share best practices and to listen to well considered presentations from leadership specialists – I would recommend them to anyone.”

20Twenty Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker added: “We found there was an appetite among the many companies who have joined us – notably online during the pandemic – for further support and tailored guidance and advice.

“We are thrilled with the feedback to the pilot Wisdom Lab sessions and look forward to rolling them out further in the months ahead.”

The next CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5-7 cohort of senior managers, owners, and directors begins in September.

Places are still available for the programmes – which are 80% funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Welsh Government.

For more information and to sign up, email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk or visit the website: www.20TwentyBusinessGrowth.com.

HUNDREDS of graduates from an esteemed leadership programme are to form an exclusive networking club sharing advice and best practice in business.

Plans for the group – made up of 20Twenty Business Growth Programme alumni – include access to free ‘Wisdom Labs’ and training focused on topics such as sustainability and employee wellbeing.

The sessions will feature key speakers and representatives from different sectors, beginning with a wellbeing workshop series at Xplore Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham this month.

Other workshops include Goals and Purpose, New Mindset – Emotional Control, and Your Individual Wellbeing Plan.

Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker said: “We have had more than 1,000 participants join us over the years and have long planned to develop a select group who can network with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, identify opportunities and look at further ways to work together.

“The feedback we’ve already had is very positive and there is an appetite for further support in light of the challenges businesses have faced during the pandemic, so we are delighted to host these initial events and look forward to watching them grow.”

The news comes as 20Twenty prepares to virtually welcome its latest CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5-7 cohort of senior managers, owners, and directors from across Wrexham, Flintshire, and north Powys over two days from March 1.

Jackie said places are still available for the programme – which is 80% funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Welsh Government – and an introductory taster session on February 11.

She added: “20Twenty has gone from strength to strength and despite the Covid-19 pandemic we have managed to successfully deliver modules online.

“We hope to be in a position to welcome people back in-person in the future but initially programmes will continue to be held virtually, which has been well received by many of those taking part because of the ease of access, flexibility and time saving.

“A blended approach will probably be the best way forward eventually; for now, we hope to see more people joining us in March.

“Please get in touch if you are looking to develop your leadership skills and strategic growth and want to find out more.”

For more information and to sign up for the next 20Twenty Business Growth Programme, email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk or visit the website: www.20TwentyBusinessGrowth.com.

NOTES: The 20Twenty Business Growth Programme is the only leadership and management course in Wales to offer an optional progression route from CMI Level 4 to CMI Level 7, including a Postgraduate Certificate, an Executive MBA and Chartered Manager Award. The programme is delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University in partnership with Bangor University and subsidised by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.