New Knowledge & Skills

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, upskilling the workforce is more critical than ever. As industries evolve and market demands shift, organisations must equip their teams with the knowledge and skills needed to stay competitive. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this is particularly vital, as their agility and growth often depend on a well-trained, adaptable workforce. However, with traditional funding sources for training becoming increasingly scarce, finding innovative and cost-effective ways to invest in employee development has become a necessity rather than a choice. Embracing these alternatives is not just about survival—it’s about thriving in a competitive landscape and striving to maintain relevance.

As European funding for training staff in SMEs dwindles, businesses face the challenge of finding alternative ways to upskill their workforce. Previously, substantial EU funding enabled training providers to offer fully funded courses, making it easier for companies to invest in their employees. However, with this support now less accessible, SMEs must explore new, cost-effective strategies to maintain growth through training and development.

At Alternative Partnership, we understand the vital role training plays in driving SME growth, even in the face of political and economic uncertainties. We are committed to helping businesses overcome these challenges by providing innovative and affordable training solutions.

Affordable eLearning Options

For businesses needing to update essential skills like Health & Safety, our Health & Safety eLearning courses start at just £35 + VAT. These courses are designed for a wide audience, from employees in large organisations to sole traders, managers, and entrepreneurs. Updating essential skills like Health & Safety is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance with legal requirements, protect employees, and maintain a positive reputation. Our training empowers SMEs to continue investing in their teams and achieving sustainable growth.

We also offer a Business Skills eLearning suite, providing practical, comprehensive training for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and managers. These cost-effective alternatives ensure your team remains skilled and competitive, without relying on external funding. Strong skills in areas like communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and project management are essential – our courses equip employees and leaders with the necessary tools to work more efficiently, adapt to challenges, and seize new opportunities.

Developing strong business skills is essential for an organisation to operate efficiently, adapt to change, and achieve its strategic goals. These skills—such as financial management, strategic planning, communication, and leadership—enable teams to work effectively and make informed decisions that drive growth.

Strong business skills enhance problem-solving and innovation, allowing organisations to address challenges proactively and seize opportunities in a competitive market. They also foster collaboration, improve customer relationships, and ensure resources are used wisely. For SMEs in particular, these skills are critical for building resilience, scaling operations, and creating a sustainable path to long-term success.

Advanced Leadership & Management Development

For senior leaders and managers seeking to elevate their capabilities, we offer bespoke Leadership & Management training as well as Coaching and Mentoring programs.

Senior managers and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping an organisation’s direction, culture, and success. Elevating their capabilities is essential to navigate complex challenges, inspire teams, and drive strategic growth. Enhanced leadership skills enable them to make informed decisions, foster innovation, and adapt to changing market conditions. By continuously developing their expertise in areas like communication, mentoring, and strategic planning, senior leaders can set a strong example, cultivate high-performing teams, and ensure their organisation remains competitive and future-ready.

Alternative Partnership’s services are tailored to meet the unique needs of organisations and individuals, fostering growth at all levels, and supporting leadership pipelines.

What is a self-sustaining leadership pipeline?

At Alternative Partnership, we support an organisation’s ability to develop a strategic framework designed to continuously identify, develop, and promote future leaders from within. It ensures that leadership talent is nurtured at all levels, providing a steady flow of capable individuals ready to step into key roles as they become available.

This pipeline is built on a foundation of clear career paths, targeted training programs, and ongoing mentorship, fostering a culture of growth and development. By aligning leadership development with organisational goals, it minimises disruptions caused by leadership transitions, reduces reliance on external hiring, and cultivates a deep bench of leaders who understand the company’s values, culture, and strategy.

In essence, a self-sustaining leadership pipeline helps organisations remain resilient and competitive, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Alternative Partnership is well-equipped with the tools necessary to support this kind of development – our experience includes working with senior staff at leading universities in the North of England, as well as large public and private sector organisations. We help businesses create self-sustaining leadership pipelines through programs built on in-depth Training Needs Analysis (TNA), ensuring long-term benefits and strategic alignment.

Staying Relevant in a Changing Landscape

Organisations must strive to stay relevant in a changing landscape to ensure their long-term survival, growth, and success. As industries evolve, customer needs, technological advancements, and competitive pressures continually shift, making adaptability a critical business priority. Staying relevant allows organisations to:

Meet Customer Expectations

Keeping up with trends ensures products and services align with changing customer preferences and demands.

Maintain Competitive Advantage

Staying ahead of competitors by embracing innovation and responding to market shifts helps secure a stronger market position.

Attract and Retain Talent

Employees are drawn to forward-thinking organisations that prioritise growth, relevance, and adaptability.

Drive Long-Term Growth

Relevance in the marketplace creates opportunities for expansion, diversification, and sustained profitability.

Mitigate Risks

Anticipating and responding to changes minimises the impact of disruptions, such as technological advancements or economic shifts.

In an ever-evolving business environment, staying relevant is not just about adapting to change—it’s about proactively leading it.

Developing Knowledgeable Leaders

As a manager or leader, there’s always something new to learn or a skill you can improve and develop. Organisations need to support managers and leaders in this development, but you also need to invest in yourself.

Getting formal leadership and management training will not only help you build your leadership skills, it will also help you grow in confidence, and increase your chances of career progression.

Alternative Partnership delivers ILM-accredited Leadership and Management training programmes to support you and your teams in gaining formal, nationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about our current ILM courses here or get in touch to discuss how our services could benefit you.

Have you read...

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Our Clients

Array

I am a Store Manager for a busy Retail Outlet and I decided to undertake my ILM Higher Management qualification.  I found the qualification excellent for developing my knowledge and understanding of higher management in business, especially when, part way through the course, I was promoted to a larger store and the ILM qualification was invaluable to my learning and management experience. Tina worked with me focusing on the training and development that I needed to succeed, which helped me to achieve the qualification, as well as, make business improvements to the running of my store.

I have worked with Alternative Partnership for many years now and I have achieved a number of qualifications with Tina’s help along my whole journey. She is always there for help and advice and I would definitely recommend Alternative Partnership to anyone who is wanting to complete a qualification to better their professional skills with full support and great mentoring by Tina.

Laura Baker, The Works

I wanted to have the pleasure of working with Alternative Partnership and Tina again. Tina discussed my training needs and recommended an ILM Higher Leadership and Management qualification. I thought this might be impossible for me, but yet again, Tina’s great way of communicating to develop my understanding by putting things across, in a way that simplified the information was really helpful to me and supported what it was I needed to do to achieve success. The ILM Higher Leadership and Management Diploma Level 4 course were for 18 months and Alternative Partnership, especially Tina, ensures all students achieved great results. To that end, I successfully completed the course three months before the originally planned time. Anyone wanting to build their professional knowledge, gain confidence in the work they do and experience a great journey, I would highly recommend looking at working with Alternative Partnership and I personally look forward to making my next journey.

Richard Daniels, Morrison Utility Services

I would like to thank Tina for her exceptional support and guidance whilst completing the ILM Higher Diploma in Leadership and Management Level 4. The knowledge and skills I have gained both from Tina and the course content is invaluable and has and will continue to improve my professional and personal progression. Tina was a constant support, including times when I was uncertain on how to tackle a particularly difficult unit. I couldn’t thank Tina enough and would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to improve their own knowledge and skills in the leadership and management profession.

Lisa Vickers, Total Fitness

Dear Tina, Thank you for the Business Coaching and guidance I have received from Alternative Partnership, especially in helping me to structure myself and Key West Pest Control. This has helped to make my business run more professionally, more structured and implementing policies and procedures whilst helping me acquire my ILM Higher Strategic Leadership and Management qualification. I would have no hesitation in recommending you or your company. A big thank you.

Sean Mclean, Key West Pest Control Ltd

Working with Tina over the last few months has been extremely inspiring. Her passion and enthusiasm for business is infectious and you can tell immediately that she genuinely wants you to be a success. Tina pushed me into writing and publishing my first book. After a conversation with Tina,  I was able to build on some existing content and turn it into a useful resource for business owners. The book, A-Z of Blogging,  has had fantastic feedback and I am so proud of what I have achieved with it, none of which would have happened without Tina’s support and encouragement. I can’t recommend Tina and The Alternative Partnership highly enough to anyone wanting to move their business to the next stage.

Lisa Slater, Make Your Copy Count

Through their excellent service and commitment, we were able to show a remarkable improvement in the quality of service we offer to all our customers. The initial training provided to all our 66 staff who was involved in the Customer Service qualification has been of great benefit to the company, in the way they interact with our customers and deal with their enquiries. Of the 66 people 8 of those progressed to a higher Customer Service qualification with Alternative Partnership.

Julie Asbury, La Redoute
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