The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme takes on a new provider to drive forward greater entrepreneurial ambition in Scotland’s rural economy. Elevator, renowned for its ability to start and scale up entrepreneurial businesses, has been appointed by Scottish Enterprise to turn the dial on innovation and creativity for rural leaders across Scotland, unleashing a new collective ambition for Scotland’s rural future.
Scotland’s rural economy is facing unprecedented requirements for change and the need for our rural leaders to work collectively to turn the dial and respond to this has never been greater. As Scotland’s leading private sector business support organisation, Elevator is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurs, inventors, disruptors, game changers and business leaders of today and tomorrow. Scottish Enterprise, in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, have designed an inspiring Rural Leadership Programme which will work with rural businesses across Scotland, capitalising on the strengths and connections that underpin a dynamic rural economy and pivot Scotland’s rural businesses into a new era of world leading innovation and business growth.
The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is designed to equip rural business owners and senior leaders with the right skill set and confidence to adopt an entrepreneurial and ambitious mindset, cultivate their businesses for growth and to work as leaders together to form a collective voice of influence, helping create policy and leading the world rural economic stage.
Commenting on this latest positive news, Professor Gary McEwan, CEO of Elevator, said “We are delighted to help shape and deliver the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme at such a critical time in Scotland’s economic transformation. Our experience of scaling the whole spectrum of rural businesses in Scotland will ensure that we ignite the entrepreneurial and innovative passion our rural leaders require to turn the dial on business growth. We look forward to building on the inspiring relationship that has already been created with many of Scotland’s rural businesses and help them deliver quantifiable positive economic impact over the coming years.
Rachel Ross, Strengthening Communities Director for Elevator, added ‘Our understanding of the interconnections between economy, community and environment are essential components of this programme, with expert deliverers including Alison Milne and James Withers and speakers such as Mark Logan and Sandy Kennedy. The programme will underpin the importance of networks, strategic communications and the innovation skills required to disproportionately impact the effect rural businesses can have on the confidence and wealth of local communities. We are introducing an exciting three-day learning journey to Edinburgh and London to showcase innovative people and businesses and highlight some inspiring examples of what can be achieved with the right mindset and support’.
A unique collaboration between Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, the next Rural Leadership Programme for the Class of 2022/23 will start with a Welcome Conference in Central Scotland on 27 October 2022. Recruitment for this programme has now begun; find out more here.
