Fully funded leadership programmes extended

We are delighted to confirm that thanks to continued support from WEFO, we are now able to extend our offer of fully-funded leadership programmes until 31st March 2022.

With the original funding ending in August 2021, we are thrilled to be able to extend the opportunity to even more businesses and support their growth, following what has been a difficult time for everyone.

ION leadership Principal Investigator, and Director at Swansea University, Ceri Jones, is delighted with the announcement.

"I am delighted that we are able to continue to support leaders across Wales by offering our leadership programmes fully funded. Thanks to WEFO's continued support, we can continue to work with business owners across Wales to help them revive their businesses and go on to thrive in what has been a very turbulent year for everyone".

The programme is backed by over £6 million from the European Social Fund to raise skills and drive productivity and turnover in businesses in West Wales, the Valleys and areas of North Wales. We have supported over 1500 leaders in over 1000 businesses to develop sustainable and profitable enterprises, over the last 11 years and we have a long-established reputation for delivering impactful and effective activity led experiential learning for Welsh business leaders.

Project Lead, and Swansea Programme Manager, Suzanne Parry Jones, provides some insight into what delegates on our programmes can expect.

"Our programmes will challenge, evoke, and empower you and you will see real change in you and your business. By challenging your existing leadership style and setting game-changing goals for you and your business, you will learn new skills that will enable you to grow and develop. As the business landscape has changed so much in the past year, now is the time for you to take the time to work on yourself and your business. So, get in touch to check your eligibility and seize the opportunity to book your space".

Recently appointed Bangor Programme Manager Lorraine Hopkins is also delighted with the news and its impact on delegates and businesses in North Wales. 

“This is extremely good news for the business community in North Wales.  We have found that many businesses who were otherwise unable to afford leadership training, have taken full advantage of the fee waiver and signed up. This next tranche of funding will only encourage more to do the same. Our programme gives business owners and managers alike, scheduled time to leave the office once or twice a month, and have the opportunity to think differently about their organisation, the people the business relies on and their role leading them.  It’s crucial to think differently in a time of economic recovery and for many businesses that happen to be thriving and growing as a result of the pandemic. The ION programme has proven results for businesses who are willing to invest in training.  That’s why this funding is so important - so that Bangor University can continue to contribute to the renewal and economic upturn of the region”.

How can you get involved?

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Are you eligible? The fully-funded programmes are available to businesses and individuals across Wales who meet certain eligibility criteria. You can find out more in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
2. Find a course near you, ensuring you are able to attend the programme's dates. Visit our courses page to find out more about upcoming programmes.
3. Sign up.

Spaces on the fully-funded programmes are limited so please get in touch as soon as possible. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ION team are currently working from home, so if you would like to speak to a member of the ION team, please contact any team member you may already know, or contact us on ionleadership@swansea.ac.uk or ionleadership@bangor.ac.uk and our recruitment team will be in touch.