A link programme for business support and management development

Outlines a management development programme which contributes to the development of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) by way of a detailed linking process, whereby the experience and skills of an unemployed manager are carefully matched with the business needs of a company. Describes how the programme has been running since 1983, evolving from that time, to take cognizance of: major changes in the profiles of unemployed managers; changes in the industrial structure of Northern Ireland; and paradigmatic shifts within the field of management development. Concludes, from evaluation, that both groups have benefited significantly from the programme, noting that it has aided many SMEs to overcome some of the major obstacles to growth, efficiency and competitiveness, while concurrently raising the confidence level of the unemployed manager, developing his/her competences and increasing future employment prospects. Considers that the programme model will prove beneficial to other training providers and support agencies that are considering link programmes as part of their management development provision.