£4.4m EU-backed scheme to boost leadership and management skills in North Wales

A £4.4m EU-backed scheme to help boost leadership and management skills in North Wales has been announced by Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.   The North Wales Business Academy will support business growth and competitiveness in the region by delivering university-accredited leadership and management qualifications to more than 1,000 employees over the next three years.  A Young Talent Academy will also be set up to develop and retain the next generation of managers in North Wales.

Supported by £2.8m of EU funds, the scheme will enable employers to access training and staff development opportunities with subsidies of up to 70%. About 275 businesses across North Wales are expected to benefit from the scheme.  The project is led by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai in partnership with Bangor University, Coleg Cambria and Glyndwr University.

Mark Drakeford said:   

“I’m very pleased to announce £2.8m of EU funding for the North Wales Business Academy, which will provide career development opportunities for business employees and, in turn, drive business competitiveness in key growth sectors in the region.”

The North Wales Business Academy is aimed at companies with growth ambition in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, tourism and outdoor activities, the food and drinks industry and energy sector.

Subsidised opportunities for staff to achieve management qualifications will be available in areas including financial management, sales and marketing, business strategy, governance and operational skills and management.

Professor John G. Hughes, President and Vice-Chancellor at Bangor University, said: 

“Bangor University is delighted to be playing its part alongside other regional FE and HE partners to help businesses develop the higher level leadership and management skills that they need to make the region a more prosperous place in the future.”

Publication date: 4 August 2016