Short courses

Course content

Over the course of the day this course covers a range of project management topics, including:

• project definition
• managing project risk
• planning phase and planning tools
• managing project closure
• closure stage

The course will enable an understanding of how tools and techniques can provide a structured approach to projects. Delegates will have the opportunity to take part in practical exercises aimed at testing a number of techniques and building on skills.

Learning objectives and business benefits

At the end of this course participants will be able to:

• follow a structured approach to project management
• establish the roles of the project sponsor and project manager
• develop project control documents such as Project Brief, Business Case and Project Plan
• understand how to manage risk
• use project management planning, tools and techniques to manage Time, Quality and Cost
• manage changes that may occur through the life of a project
• gain experience of applying project management techniques through using case study examples

Who should attend?

Individuals who are, or will be, responsible for implementing and managing projects of any size in any environment.

Course content

Participants will unlock the potential of their businesses by exploring the three elements that underpin success.

By taking time away from the business participants will explore:

• how to achieve more by working less. Learn how to master the use of your time, increase productivity and get more time for the things you want to do
• understand the six secrets behind a winning team, and the practical strategies and easy-to-use tactics to help you grow
• understand the three key scoreboards every business leader needs to use
• explore how discounting could be damaging your business (and what to do instead)

Learning objectives and business benefits

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

• learn how to make their businesses scalable and stop trading time for money
• identify clear strategies for making more of each day to achieve their business and personal goals
• inspire their team to support their business vision
• establish a culture of inclusion, in a happy and productive workplace
• become confident in speaking the essential language of business
• apply five changes to their business to make the business more profitable

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, leaders and business owners who want to: make better use of their time and achieve their business and lifestyle goals build a happy, productive and winning team make more profits in the business and reach their financial goals.

Course content

Throughout the day this course will explore why leadership impacts business success and ultimately, how to bring the best out of yourself, the team and the business, resulting in increased employee engagement and a culture of success.

The course will dive into the power (and dangers) of emotion and beliefs, while looking at the communication that gets more done with less time and effort.

Participants will explore the psychology of change and how it can be harnessed for both business success and personal growth, along with how to develop resilience during challenging times.

Learning objectives and business benefits

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

• more effectively lead, coach and mentor for positive impact
• reduce the likelihood of being derailed by false beliefs and assumptions
• enhance their communication skills in every context
• adopt the mindset essentials to confidently embrace change and challenge
• take steps towards shaping a more cohesive team and inspired culture

From this one-day course, participants will take away practical communication strategies to apply immediately, helping them to return to work with improved impact and influence with team members.

The course structure will also enable peer learning, so participants can learn from the challenges and experiences of others, leading to greater confidence in themselves and others.

Who should attend?

Anyone who is, or will be, leading other people, including Business Owners, Managers, and Team Leaders.

The government-backed Help to Grow: Management course will open the door to growth for thousands of business leaders.

Delivered at University of Gloucestershire in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, Help To Grow: Management includes 12 weeks of in-depth training, 1:1 business mentoring to help apply your learnings, and the opportunity to grow your business, fast.

The 12-week course costs just £750 and is 90% funded by the government. You can take part around your existing work commitments and access learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions. The course is run by Business Schools accredited by the Small Business Charter.

Business perspective

Emily Phillips, Head of Marketing at Smart Home Sounds of Cheltenham, and Help to Grow Alumni.

“The Help to Grow: Management Programme has been a fantastic resource for me, and far exceeded my expectations. The course materials, mentor sessions, peer groups, and weekly sessions have helped me grow in confidence as a leader within my own business and created the space and opportunity to explore new areas for growth. A special thank you to the course leaders who have offered fantastic support and really helped me to engage and start implementing new strategies right from week one”

Course content

With insights from business owners, advisory accountants, and lenders, this course will help participants to know their numbers and equip them with a practical financial toolkit.

Businesses will explore the art of accounting, how to expertly utilise their management accounts, and to champion cash flow management and forecasting. By unlocking the mysteries of financial concepts, participants will learn how to drive growth in their businesses.

The course will help participants to understand how to maintain a beneficial and healthy relationship with debt and turn it into an ally.

Learning objectives and business benefits

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

• grasp the power of finance in business
• realise the criterial nature of financial data and build a solid base of financial competency
• master risk mitigation for a secure future
• nurture a fruitful relationship with key financial partners including banks and accountants
• leverage financial data for strategic decision making
• minimise the risk of future financial setbacks by implementing strategies to reduce the likelihood of financial disturbances

Following the one-day course participants will have an unshakeable confidence in their numbers, and leave with the confidence to comprehend and command their business finances.

Who should attend?

SME Business owners looking to take their financial understanding to the next level, and those who are responsible for financial decision-making without a financial background. Any SME employees interested in learning more about finance.

Our Start Day is the first step on the way to building a successful business. You’ll cover the most important elements of getting ready and getting started, along with those roadblocks that we see so often when great ideas meet reality.

Hearing from specialist trainers with years of experience supporting start-ups and running their own successful businesses, you’ll have the chance to ask the questions that are keeping you awake at night. And what’s more, you can ask your fellow entrepreneurs and freelancers too.

Our start-up day puts you right at the coalface of your business and helps you give yourself the best possible start to a new business or career.

Meet the course leader

Julie Ellison
Non-Executive Director, Head of Education Development and Social Enterprise Champion

A curious, creative, and collaborative individual with a desire to assist others in reaching their full potential. Julie is a passionate advocate of social enterprise, starting her first social venture in the 1980s. After completing an MBA she specialised in social enterprise business support and was MD of Social Enterprise Works CIC. Julie now delivers enterprise education across Gloucestershire.

This is where your business goes from good to great. You’re off the ground and starting to fly, but now it’s time to really hone in on your specialisms, your markets, and solve those challenges that have been building up in the background.

They say that life is what happens while you’re making other plans, and that’s the same in business. Often, you’ll have spent so long working in the business that you won’t have worked on the business for a while.

That’s what our Growth Day is all about. Take time away from the day-to-day, and raise your head above the parapet. Trust us on this one.

Business perspective

Henry, a Business Founder from Gloucester, attended both the Launch and Grow days to build his company.

“When I signed up for the course I felt so relieved. I had support and guidance and felt like I was no longer working on my business alone. I received help with creating a business plan, marketing on social media, identifying my target audience, pitching for business, and more. It’s helped me to put together a plan of action to help me move forward, and meet new contacts through their networking events. There is so much to take away from the courses. Being a new business owner with a lack of experience can be daunting without advice from someone you can trust. But having the team there for support is priceless, I’ve learnt so much to help my business grow.”