A top international business guru is set to fly into Cumbria next week to lead the first business conference of its kind in Cumbria.

Alec Blacklaw, of Melbourne, Australia, will lead The Business Improvement Program (The BIP) held in partnership with leading financial and business advisory firm Armstrong Watson at Armathwaite Hall on May 18 and 19.

Singapore-based globally renowned speaker Paul Dunn will also be jetting in to share his business advice with Cumbria business leaders. Limited places are still available on the course. Entrepreneurs and business leaders wanting to attend can benefit from up to a 40 per sent subsidy towards the cost of the course.

Alec said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to get into a unique situation with other business leaders and to take time out working on your business.

“Business is becoming more and more disruptive. Change is constant and inevitable. But progress is not. Attending The BIP is a great opportunity to get ahead of your competitors and give you an edge.

“It will help you to find your ‘why’? To really find your purpose and communicate it more effectively to your team and clients. Whether you are dealing with uncertainty around Brexit, the election, or another Scottish referendum, this will help you deal with what’s important for you and your business so you are connecting more effectively with people.

“It’s going to be a great programme. We’ve got some brilliant speakers and some really exciting activities for the attendees and we offer a no quibble money back guarantee if you are not totally delighted after the two days.”

If businesses are not able to attend next week, a further BIP conference is planned for the autumn to be held at Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, Wetherby, Yorkshire on November 1/2 which will again be open to Cumbrian firms. To secure your place contact Emma.McKeown@armstrongwatson.co.uk

Businesses interested in applying for a subsidy towards the cost of the course are advised to contact Nikki Park at Coulson Associates Ltd on nikki@coulsonassociates.com or call 07881102493 to check eligibility and be guided through the application process.

The fund provides up to £2,000 towards 40 per cent of a project for eligible businesses (those not already receiving support, based in Cumbria, with less than 250 employees).

To find out more about the BIP courses and availability to attend at either Armathwaite Hall or Wood Hall Spa contact Armstrong Watson’s Business Development Director and Strategic Business Advisor Dave Clarkson on dave.clarkson@armstrongwatson.co.uk 07908 783305.