07.06.04
Leadership skills for leading lights

A development programme to equip Cornwall's agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs of the future is being launched at the Royal Cornwall Show.

The new challenging Entrepreneurship Programme will be delivered by Duchy College, in association with The Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester.

Funding for the development of the programme and a pilot to be run in the autumn has come from Objective One projects; Rural Progress and the Vocational Training Scheme.

Staff at Duchy College have been working closely with an industry task force to provide budding entrepreneurs within the land based and agri-food sector the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to become the next generation of influential business leaders.

"This is a really exciting development; we had been working on some ideas for a similar programme before being approached by the Rural Progress industry steering committee. They had concluded developmental training was required to help assist many of Cornwall's leading entrepreneurs reach their full potential,” explained Keith Barriball, County Head of Agriculture at Duchy College.

He added: "The steering committee have been able to provide a valuable insight into the type of skills they think future industry leaders require and we have been pleased to focus on creating a programme which will develop those skills. Our aim is to equip entrepreneurs and industry leaders of tomorrow with the personal and leadership skills they require to lead both industry and community organisations in an increasingly fast moving, professional and commercial environment.”

It is anticipated twelve delegates will participate in a series of workshops, attend guest lectures by some of the industry's current leading lights and develop their analytical and leadership skills. The six-month programme will commence in November 2004 with entrance interviews taking place in September.

Applicants can apply direct or be nominated by individuals or organisations.

Keith explains: "We will endeavour to bring together a group of people that represent the industry at large. We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit. They are probably already involved in a growing agricultural, food processing or diversified land based business, or hold a position of influence within an associated industry or trade organisation. Colleagues will already recognise their potential and I hope will either nominate them or encourage them to come forward.”

To receive an application form or to nominate a colleague please contact Jan Welch on 01579 372289.

Editor's notes:

Available for interview:
Keith Barriball, County Head of Agriculture Duchy College is available for interview Tuesday 8 (pm), Wed 9 and in the morning at the show on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 June.
Tel: 01579 372222
Mobile: 07812 174834
Email: keith.barriball@duchy.ac.uk

Launch event:
Keith Barriball will be addressing young people involved in farming and landbased businesses at a CLA reception 12.00 –1.00pm on Saturday 12 June at the Royal Cornwall Show. Press enquiries to Paul Millard, CLA press officer 0870 2421450

Press Enquiries:
Please contact Carolyn Daw
Tel: 01822 833488
E mail: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk

Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mob: 07973 813647
Tel: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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