Covid-19 hit businesses to benefit from DMU business expertise

Small and medium businesses affected by Covid-19 in Leicester are to benefit from the expertise of one of the Midlands’ top business schools as part of a £20million government package to help small businesses recover.



Leicester Castle Business School, at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will run the Small Business Leadership Programme (SBLP), a government funded programme to help support SMEs thrive post-coronavirus and support leaders of small businesses in the coming months.

The programme is fully funded by the Government and free to all businesses. The practical syllabus provides local business leaders with access to small business and management experts from Leicester Castle Business School. You can find out more here.

Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: 

“The strength of small businesses up and down the country will be vital as we begin to bounce back from coronavirus and re-build our economy. The Small Business Leadership Programme will help to equip small business leaders with the leadership and problem-solving skills they need to grow their firms in the wake of this pandemic.”
 
Professor Heather McLaughlin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, said: “Coronavirus has impacted businesses everywhere, but the effect has been even greater in Leicester which has had to cope with the extended lockdown.


“DMU has been a part of Leicester’s business community for 150 years and a track record of delivering results for small businesses. We look forward to helping deliver valuable, practical and actionable advice to help SMEs move forward, grow and thrive.”

Delivered online through a structured course of eight 90-minute webinars over the course of 10 weeks run by the University’s Business School, the Small Business Leadership Programme will provide the knowledge needed for businesses to tackle crisis situations. It will also provide businesses the opportunity to strengthen their business network. 

Participants will develop strategic leadership skills and the confidence to make informed decisions to boost business performance.

DMU’s Leicester Castle Business School has been accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC). This is a national accreditation awarded by small businesses to business schools who excel in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy.
Coronavirus has put untold pressure on directors and CEOs of small companies. According to a recent McKinsey online survey of UK SMEs, 80 percent of small businesses reported their revenues were declining in June in 2020.

The Government has made up to £30 billion available to support economic recovery and businesses can continue to draw upon a range of financial support during this challenging time, including loans, tax deferrals and cash grants. The SBLP will help businesses to bounce back from the impact of coronavirus and prepare for any future disruption.