Small Business Leadership Programme

Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions

A project that ran in 2020-2021 to help small businesses both adjust to the pandemic but also to improve leadership and management. The project featured examples of local businesses and how they had pivoted during the pandemic. It also provided a good venue for leaders to vent and swap ideas on how to deal with the pandemic. Delivery was by Entrepreneurs in Residence and academics within the Business School. Over 80 local leaders benefitted from the proogramme.

“The Small Business Leadership Programme provided by Staffordshire University has provided our staff with relevant skills and knowledge to ensure continuity of service for GMP Drivercare throughout the global pandemic. It has also taught our staff many new skills that has put us in good stead in ensuring that our business is ready for future growth in 2021 and beyond.” Tiffany Leadbetter GMP Drivercare

“I have found the Small Business Leadership Programme invaluable. It's allowed me to connect with other businesses, and I've learned much and managed to strengthen a few knowledge gaps and boost my handling of the business during these unique times. Week 4 on branding was very valuable for me, I learned a lot of new concepts and tools which will allow us to better connect our different customer groups to the different areas of our business." Geoff Barton, General Manager, Canalside Farm

Lead researcher

Jon FAIRBURN

Emeritus Professor

Professor Jon Fairburn is active in teaching, research, bid writing and public engagement. He has incorporated credited work experience into geography and tourism degrees as well as the MSc Digital Marketing Management.

Jon's profile

Associated researchers

Emily Whitehead

Consultant / Entrepreneur in Residence

Emily's profile

Dr Mayowa Akinbote

Senior Lecturer

Mayowa, a Chartered Accountant with 17+ years of experience in public and private sectors, holds an ACCA Fellowship and a PhD in Finance. He brings extensive expertise and is particularly interested in financial markets and investor behavior.

Mayowa's profile