Yorkshire businesses must adapt or else

Posted: 20/10/2009

Many Yorkshire companies must radically change their approach to management if they are to survive and prosper.

That is the stark warning from the leaders of a new programme, funded by Yorkshire Forward, which aims to support firms in the region to develop innovative new ways of dealing with emerging opportunities and threats.

The New Horizons in Leadership and Innovation (NHLI) programme is a partnership between Leeds City College and national private training provider The Intraining Group, which was recently awarded grade one status by Ofsted.

Programme Leader Mike Rix of Intraining said: "In this changing world, new threats are emerging for companies at frightening speed. Time and place dont matter, competition is a global phenomenon and conventional entry barriers are a thing of the past. The old order of doing business is gone forever".

He said: "There is a leadership deficit within many organisations and companies to deal with this new world. Some companies are still organised around hierarchies that inhibit innovation, risk and adaptability".

Many managers have risen through the ranks by utilising a narrow range of skills and expertise that is increasingly redundant in the new world.

To compete during this recession, it is imperative that businesses embrace change and the impact of new technologies, as well as getting rid of everything that has outlived its usefulness. This means developing new ways of thinking and management and leadership competencies.

NHLI is already working with several firms across Yorkshire to help them deal with the emerging concepts of knowledge management, corporate social responsibility, Web 2.0, value networks and talent management.

Recruitment company Stafforce Personnel, based in Rotherham and with offices nationwide, was the first business to sign up for the programme. Chief Executive Ian Anderson said: "We had three year plans and four week plans, but realised we needed to be able to change our plans at any time".

For this, we need playmakers at every level. Our managers can see that they are the ones who will spot the opportunities and make sure we develop the business in the right direction.

We have been running a successful business for 30 years, but we recognise that to be successful for another 30, we need to change and adapt. Intraining has all the relevant experience to help us with our thinking.

David Fell, Deputy Principal at Leeds City College, said: "We are still seeking out businesses and organisations which recognise the challenges they face and wish to join the programme".

We will work with them to evaluate their position in the new order of things and provoke action for change, combining the best of conventional management development with innovative approaches to change.