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Digital Leadership programme offers training to small businesses

A new training programme has been launched to help small businesses in the region to improve their digital capabilities.

Digital Leadership for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) is providing training for senior leaders of small and medium enterprises in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay. 150 training places are available, providing up to 32 hours of free tutor training.

The scheme has been designed to help small businesses to identify and embrace digital improvements for their organisation. The aim is to help them integrate digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage, streamline processes and enhance productivity.

The training is available for senior leaders of SME organisations, who are located in and operate their business in either Devon, Plymouth, Somerset or Torbay in the following sectors:

  • Health and Adult Social Care,
  • Manufacturing,
  • Clean Growth (businesses that contribute sustainable and low carbon economic growth)

 

The Digital Leadership for SMEs programme is led by us and delivered by Cosmic. It is part of the Heart of the South West local growth deal funded Digital Skills Series, and supported by the Heart of the South West LEP.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “Local businesses can benefit greatly from this training opportunity. Integrating digital technology into your business plan is vital and it can support SMEs to improve the customer experience, and improve collaboration across organisations. We firmly believe that this programme can play an important role in helping to drive growth in the Heart of the South West region.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “Digital leadership is paramount for the sustained growth and success of SMEs in our region. Through funding this skills programme, we are delighted to support the development of senior leaders, empowering them to leverage digital advancements and drive innovation within their organisations.”

You can apply by completing the online application which asks a few simple questions to ensure that you’re eligible.

Digital Leadership for SMEs is committed to inclusion and social mobility and we welcome applications from:

  • Women
  • Adults aged 50+
  • Neuro-Diverse individuals
  • Disabled individuals
  • Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds

For more information visit the Digital Leadership for SMEs webpage.

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.