Funding boost for business school's programme

The partnership between York St John University Business School and The Alternative Board (York) will enable entrepreneurs to pick up tips about ways of growing their business.

The business school has secured 5,000 from the Government's Skills Enhancement Fund to subsidise a series of "board meetings", in which business owners can discuss the issues they face in a confidential and friendly environment.

The York-based school is inviting 11 small to medium-sized companies from across Yorkshire to take part in the programme, which starts in September.

Jackie Mathers, the business school's dean, said: "Peer learning is becoming more and more popular in the business world, and the success of our Learning Through Business Leaders programme, where company owners have the opportunity to discuss challenges confidentially with other experienced business owners, is testament to that.

"That's why we are very keen to offer more of this type of support to firms in the region, and the enhancement fund is enabling us to give Yorkshire's business leaders a taste of what peer learning can do for them and for their company's performance.

"The Alternative Board is based on the peer support model, and Ed Reid has built up a strong track record in York since he launched in January, which made him the perfect choice to run the course for us. Now, businesses can tap into his expertise and that of their peers in a programme at a significantly reduced rate as a result of the funding we have secured."

Mr Reid, of the Alternative Board (York), who provides mentoring and advice to entrepreneurs, will be one of the leaders of the board meetings.

He said: "Getting a different perspective on your business is always valuable and – in my experience – when it comes from experienced professionals who can offer a view from a different industry, it can often provide answers to challenges that might have been troubling you for some time."

For more information or to register interest in taking part, contact York St John University Business School on 01904 876915 or email [email protected]