As businesses of all sectors face unprecedented financial and operational challenges, it is imperative that Scotland’s rural leaders are equipped with the skills to embrace rapid change and future-proof their businesses. The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme is designed specifically to support this vital cog in Scotland’s economy, arming participants with the confidence and tools to innovate, adapt and thrive.
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.
Elevator and Scottish Enterprise are now on the hunt for applicants looking to unlock their full leadership potential and drive growth in the rural economy on a local and national level. Participants will benefit not only from the workshops, 1-2-1 coaching and peer support, but also in joining a now over 700-strong network of graduates.
Commenting on the long-term benefits of the Programme, Julian Pace, Rural Director at Scottish Enterprise said “Scotland’s rural economy is incredibly important to the future of Scotland. Bringing leaders together from across Scotland to share knowledge and develop the confidence and skills to innovate and transform their businesses is critical. Our rural leaders are passionate about the places where they live and work. Bringing them together is an incredibly powerful catalyst within the entrepreneurial landscape and being able to nurture and transform them and their businesses as part of the Leadership Programme is hugely exciting.
I can’t wait to see the tangible, inspiring results this year’s cohort will undoubtedly benefit from now and in the years to come.”
Rachel Ross, Strengthening Communities Director for Elevator, added “This year’s programme promises to be another inspiring, transformational journey for participants, with the opportunity to hear from fantastic speakers such as James Withers and Alison Milne MBE. We’ll also be travelling together to Edinburgh and London to give our cohort some important time ‘away’ from their businesses to reflect, reassess and build connections. Scotland’s rural sector is incredibly diverse, spanning many industries – this is the programme’s superpower. We harness this collective knowledge to bolster rural growth, influence and change from the ground up, benefiting individuals, communities and the country as a whole.”
Alison Milne MBE and James Withers
A unique collaboration between Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, the next Rural Leadership Programme for the Class of 2023/24 will start with a Welcome Conference in Central Scotland in October. Recruitment for this programme has now begun; for more information contact karenc@elevatoruk.com
---------------------------------------------
Press Release issued on 22nd June 2023