The search is on for potential high fliers who want to take their careers in agriculture onto the next stage through professional development and save their businesses money at the same time.

The 2016/17 Professional Manager Development Scheme (PMDS16) will bring selected managers together for 10 sessions from April 2016 through to June 2017, each time for an evening discussion with visiting speakers followed by a day of management training. Completing the comprehensive programme will lead to an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Certificate in First Line Management (Level 3).

The scheme, developed by AHDB and delivered by Cedar Associates, is aimed at managers from all agricultural and horticultural sectors who want to become more effective and efficient in their roles. They must also be in a position to make changes to improve their business.

Tess Howe, AHDB skills development manager said: “This scheme has been designed to challenge and develop the skills base of managers to meet the needs of the industry. The impact of bringing people together from across the sectors to discuss common issues has been amazing. The last group achieved savings of more than £250,000, by improving management skills which shows just how beneficial this kind of training can be.

Ian Edwards, of Coles Nursery, who was on the last programme, believed the scheme “offered a unique opportunity to gain important skills and techniques to manage your staff and improve the efficiency of the business as a result.”

Jeremy Durrant, E W Davies farms, said: “With improved communication and time management we have significantly reduced the amount of overtime worked in comparison to previous years and saved tens of thousands of pounds.”

Tess said: “The scheme is also all about improving understanding and promoting communication within and across sectors, while raising the level of professionalism in the industry – all strong themes in the new AHDB Skills Strategy.”

AHDB levy payers will be eligible for a discount to attend the course which will cost them only £850 plus VAT, including registration, tutor and hotel fees. Non levy payers can apply but will be subject to the full £3,750 cost of attending the course should they be successful in gaining a place. Participants, who will have to have the full support of their employer, will need to have demonstrated to the interviewing panel that they are already operating in a role with change management responsibilities.

Closing date for applications is 15th February (interviews will be held in Peterborough, on 1st March) For more information, contact Tess Howe on 07779 321078 or email tess.howe@ahdb.org.uk