Scottish companies gearing up for growth

The latest survey by the Federation of Small Businesses found that that 54% of Scottish companies are gearing up for growth in 2012, a significant increase over last years figure of 41%. As a Scot, Im delighted to see our ambition growing. The areas being targeted to drive that growth are: increasing the client base, developing a greater online presence, and taking on more staff.

Training managers to coach for growth

Achieving those objectives will not be easy in the current climate, and at Quiver Management we are committed to contributing to the success of Scottish businesses. This prompted us to develop a short course with a mix of workshop and individual support to effectively develop the coaching skills of the managers in your business to support your growth ambitions. This course can be delivered in-house tailored to the needs of your team, or you may prefer to attend the open Coaching for Growth workshop we have scheduled in Edinburgh on May 3rd 2012.

Coaching the most cost-effective investment

Coaching is one of the most effective ways of accelerating change and improving performance in any business. As Penny de Valk, Chief Executive of the Institute of Leadership & Management says “Coaching is the single most cost-effective development investment an organisation can make as this learning naturally spreads across the workplace.”

Government support to half your costs

The good news is that there is Government support available to help you achieve your ambitions through the Flexible Training Opportunities Scheme. Scottish businesses with up to 150 employees have the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs. Our course costs £890 excl VAT per person, and with support from Skills Development Scotland you could half your training cost to £445 excl VAT per person. For example, you could offer training in coaching skills that will accelerate the growth of your business to five members of your team for a cost of £2,225 ex VAT.

Are you eligible?

Would you like to develop your businesss coaching skills to help grow your business? Contact me, Arlene, by email or 07711 529 762 if youd like more information on eligibility, how you could benefit, and how to apply. Act now as the funding has a time limit and the training must be completed by 30 June 2012 to be eligible for support.