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LEAD Programme

LEAD is a high value leadership development programme which will help you to develop as a business leader.

The £9.5m project with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is designed to help small businesses maximise their potential.

Download LEAD brochure (PDF)

Who is eligible to join LEAD?

To be eligible to join the LEAD project, you need to be the owner-manager of a company based in the North West, employing up to 20 staff.

You will want to gain confidence in and improve your leadership skills.
You will be looking to grow your business, but may not be sure of direction to take.
You will want support in developing new business processes and ways of streamlining the business.

How can LEAD help you?

LEAD has been designed to help small businesses maximise their potential:

• Increase in turnover - 90% of companies on the pilot programme increased turnover by an average of £200k
• Develops your leadership and knowledge and enables you to share experiences with other business owners
• Helps you to manage your business more effectively in this tough economic climate
• Increases your confidence in making decisions
• Improved staff productivity and more effective business processes
• Allows you time to work “on” your business, not “in” it
• LEAD is “the board you can’t afford” – the support and advice from peers proves invaluable

What does LEAD involve?

LEAD concentrates on two areas: the business itself and your personal development. The 10 month programme is made up of several elements including master classes, coaching, action learning sessions, work shadowing and exchanges, an overnight experiential and an online forum.

Want to hear what business owners who have completed the LEAD programme have to say?

For testimonials from business owners like yourselves from across the North West who have successfully completed the LEAD programme and have seen positive results, click here.

What commitment is needed from you?

LEAD is a high value development course, supported and subsidised by the NWDA, resulting in a maximum cost to your business of just £2000. You may be eligible for further funding (up to £1000) via the Train to Gain L&M programme to reduce this cost further.

How do you get involved?


If you are ready to take the LEAD, or would like more information or an informal chat, please call Pam Eckton at Via on 01772 642 429, email pamela.eckton@via-uk.com

What can we do for you?

Via offers a variety of services for employers and businesses helping you to recruit the right people, manage your talent, develop your workforce, expand and grow your business and increase your profit.

Whether you are a sole trader, small business, medium business, PLC or global franchise, Via has services or funding available that will benefit you.

And if your business needs more space – use our Business & Meetings Centre.

About Via

Via is a social business based in Lancashire. 

Via's purpose is to improve skills and reduce unemployment. 

Via helps people to move forward in work and life and helps employers to develop their business and their workforce.

Via is owned by Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Via works with public, private and third sector organisations to deliver a range of products and services and careers information, advice and guidance for young people and adults, and business training and support for workforce development, redundancy transition and business growth.