Rural Scotland recognises value of leadership skills at annual conference

 
Scotland’s leadership challenge was on the agenda of Scottish Enterprise’s fourth Rural Leadership Conference which took place in Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on Monday 22 February.

Chief executive Lena Wilson addressed the audience which comprised successful participants of Scottish Enterprise’s Rural Leadership Programme and a number of rural businesses and organisations.

The Rural Leadership Programme was established in 2006 with the aim of increasing the professionalism of rural Scotland at all levels. 

The annual conference recognised the achievements of 35 participants of the 2009/2010 programme and focused on the value of effective leadership in continuing to grow the rural economy.

Scottish Enterprise has identified that leadership skills are key to improving Scotland’s economy. Speaking at the conference, Lena Wilson encouraged the audience to continue to drive the leadership agenda and shape Scotland’s rural economy.

She said: “The Rural Leadership Programme is a unique and challenging programme that we’ve developed to help rural business managers develop as leaders.  Working with us and our partners such as the Scottish Agricultural College, the aim is to enhance business performance through building life and leadership skills and therefore improving the professionalism of rural Scotland at all levels.

“We know from America and other countries that this approach is a success and the programme is making a difference. We’re seeing the emergence of more profitable businesses and greater confidence about strategic diversification within the rural business community.

“Working in partnership with the public and private sectors, Scotland’s rural leaders must continue to seek improvement in their approach to leadership to ensure that sustainable economic growth is shared across Scotland.”

Scottish Enterprise’s Rural Leadership Programme runs on an annual basis over a six month period and it consists of a series of rural knowledge workshops, residential modules and group learning based on leadership development. This year’s programme was delivered in partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College.

The 2009/10 programme finishes with this week's conference and awards ceremony where participants presented on their research projects which are based on three key growth sectors for rural Scotland - energy, food and drink and tourism. Other speakers at the event included David Gass, regional director, Scottish Enterprise and Jim Hume MSP.

To date, more than 160 participants have successfully completed the Rural Leadership Programme. Following the completion of the programme, Scottish Enterprise continues to support the programme participants to help them maximise their effectiveness as leaders in the future.