New jobs at software firm after Lancashire Forum support

A Lancashire software company has created five new jobs and increased its profits following support from a Lancaster University-led business growth programme.

Chorley-based Logma Systems Design Ltd, which provides bespoke and ‘off-the-shelf’ software to SMEs, has expanded after founder and CEO Audrey Odell participated in the Lancashire Forum programme.

The six-month programme, which is part of Boost, brings together like-minded directors and managers of SMEs and provides them with activities and tools to stimulate self-development and business growth.

Drawing on key elements of Lancaster University Management School’s research, the Lancashire Forum enables participants to learn from each other and inspire confidence to make positive changes in their business.

“I was holding back from going ahead with growth plans, but based on my experience with the Lancashire Forum, as well as a Lancaster University student project, I have made the decision to restructure,” explains Audrey. “We have done this, minimising the impact on our highly experienced core team, by creating a collaborative team of new people who can share information and recognise their own training needs. It’s working brilliantly.

“The experience handed me back belief and that decision-making mind-set. It put me on track to make further changes and to grow the business.”
Matt Hutchinson, programme manager for Lancashire Forum at Lancaster University, said: “It is great to see Lancashire businesses such as Logma Systems Design going from strength to strength and delivering quality jobs and economic prosperity in the county.

“This programme is a fantastic opportunity for the leaders of growth orientated Lancashire businesses, helping them to grow skills and confidence in equal measure.”

The next cohort of Lancashire Forum, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is due to start on October 4th 2017 with additional cohorts running in January and March next year. Recruitment of Lancashire businesses for these cohorts has begun.

Lancashire Forum initially ran for two years up until June 2015 and supported 93 companies, leading to the creation of 55 jobs, with businesses seeing their turnover increase by almost £2million. The most recent round of funding will see Lancaster University support an additional 131 businesses over three years and has so far supported 38 businesses.

Participants benefit from an overnight experiential, inspiring masterclasses, business growth workshops, a visit to a leading company, and access to Lancaster University student consultancy projects. Workshops cover vital topics such as innovation and creativity, business strategy, employee engagement, branding, and business finance for growth.

More details are available by contacting Pete Cornwall, business liaison officer at Lancaster University Management School, on 01524 510728 or by emailing Pete here.