Executive Development Programme creates 194 Greater Manchester jobs in first year

The Executive Development Programme has created 194 jobs and safeguarded 212 more across Greater Manchester since its launch at the beginning of last year, according to new data.

The economic driver, which is run by the Business Growth Hub, had a target of creating 60 jobs and safeguarding 180 when it was first introduced in January 2015.

In the last 12 months, the programme has engaged the senior management teams of 186 businesses representing a mix of sectors, from digital and creative to manufacturing and textiles.

Targeting CEOs, directors and senior executives, the Executive Development Programme offers workshops, master classes and coaching on topics such as business acumen, self-management and talent management.

The Hub’s executive development manager, Dawn Duggan, said of the findings: “So often training budgets are allocated to the more junior members of a business, meaning there was a significant gap in the market for training and support that was specifically tailored for senior management teams.

“For so many SMEs, these teams are experts in their field, with the knowledge they need to efficiently deliver services, but not necessarily the skills to help to manage and grow the business.”

She continued: “This programme has helped these businesses make huge strides, offering support and strategic direction to allow for optimum growth.”

One business engaged through the programme was Shoot the Moon, a creative agency based in Manchester.

The company’s director, Phil Marshall, commented: “Taking time out from the day-to-day running of the business and focusing on longer-term objectives has been hugely beneficial for myself and the rest of the management team.

“Working in conjunction with our business coach, we looked closely at the financial implications of the office move, considered the options available to us and chose to fund the development ourselves rather than taking investment from elsewhere.”