A win‐win project: developing redundant managers in a work context

A Kent TEC project “EXPAND”, developed with European Social Fund funding under its ADAPT strand and managed by Hilary Temple Associates, has successfully completed its first of two pilot years. It places redundant or early‐retired managers as business mentors in small and medium enterprises to assist them with expansion activities. These “Grey Angels” also undertake an individualised management development programme using the Senior Management Standards and other appropriate benchmarking tools. The totality of the project helps the Grey Angel identify further education or training needs, seek re‐employment, self‐employment, or continued consultancy with the host company. It also increases self‐esteem. The companies benefit from the manager’s accumulated wisdom and expertise, not just for the specific project but in general business development terms. Some Grey Angels also act as mentors to youngsters placed with the company under a Youthstart programme also managed by Kent TEC.