Businesses in Leicester set to Benefit from Support Programme

The University of Leicester’s School of Business (ULSB) is offering support to local businesses through its Small Business Leadership Programme, as part of a £20million government package to help SME’s recover from the impact of COVID-19 in the long term. The announcement follows the University’ Vice-Chancellor Nishan Canagarajah’s promise to emerge from the pandemic "as a community and as Citizens of Change", at the launch of its Economic and Social Impact Report, in June earlier this year.

Paul Scully, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, 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 Paul Baines, Associate Dean for Business & Civic Engagement at the University of Leicester’s School of Business said: “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on small and medium sized businesses across the UK. By taking part in this programme, businesses have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of our top-ranking business school to enhance their resilience and recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and develop potential for future growth and productivity.

Delivered online the programme will provide knowledge on tackling crisis situations and realising opportunities to strengthen their networks. Participants will also develop strategic leadership skills and the confidence to make informed decisions to boost business performance.

Coronavirus has put untold pressure on directors and CEOs of small companies. According to a recent McKinsey online survey of UK SMEs, 80 per cent of small businesses reported their revenues were declining in June 2020.

The Government has made up to £30 billion available to support economic recovery through loans, tax deferrals and cash grants.