Business owners celebrate the benefits of knowledge

Submitted by on Tue, 17.06.08

Managing directors from some of the region’s most successful SME’s attended a special event to celebrate a unique management development scheme which helped them on the road to business success.

Since it launched in 2001, The Durham Business School Strategic Development Programme (SDP), has been equipping owner-managers of small businesses with the appropriate skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to enable them to implement major changes and dramatically improve business performance.

 

The scheme, which has assisted over 50 small and medium size enterprises across the region during the last seven years, culminated in a special alumni event in Durham City, where former students gathered to celebrate its success and contribution to the local economy.

 

Jeremy Wright, project manager said: “I’m pleased to have been part of the Business School team that worked on the programme. We have helped some exceptional people and businesses on the path to success and in turn helped to boost the local economy.

 

“The level of practical experience shared by the programme facilitators created a highly effective and challenging learning environment.  Participants benefited from a high level of management expertise provided by industry experts, coupled with an in-depth understanding of the SME environment, to help them develop the skills necessary to grow their businesses and compete in today’s competitive global marketplace.”

 

David Meldrum, Manager Director of Meldrum Construction Services Limited, a large scale design and construction business based in Birtley, recently completed the programme.

 

 He said: “The Strategic Development Programme reminded me of best practices in business and really got me thinking. It was also a great networking opportunity as there were so many businesses involved in the Programme across a number of different sectors.

 

“The scheme has helped my business to flourish. Turnover doubled during my time on the course and I have almost doubled my workforce. I am very happy to have taken part in such a successful and well taught scheme.”

 

The Strategic Development Programme has assisted a whole host of businesses across different sectors including estate agents, builders, designer jewellers, quantity surveyors and even cheese makers!

 

“It was lovely to see the course participants again and catch up with everyone to truly appreciate just how many businesses the Strategic Development Programme has supported.  Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get where they are today and I‘d like to congratulate them all, added Jeremy.”

 

As a centre of expertise in SME management development and leadership, the Small Enterprise Development team at Durham Business School offered the programme to help small businesses across the region develop strategies for growth and change.

 

The work is now being taken forward at Durham Business School by the recently formed Management Development Centre, headed up by Dr Bill Snaith.

 

To find out more about Durham Business School visit www.dur.ac.uk/dbs/