Smart and Scale: SME Leaders Masterclass 2026

Do you work in a leadership role for an SME in the North-East of England? Join our free Masterclass, led by Durham's world-class academics.

• Hosted at Durham University Business School's new state of the art Waterside Building – 23rd & 24th April 2026.

• 3 interactive workshops delivered by leading Durham University Business School academic on following themes – Strategic Thinking, Leadership Styles & Organisational Change

• Keynote speakers

• Free of charge

SME Leaders Masterclass

If you work in a leadership role within a small to medium enterprise, based in the North East of England, then you are invited to join us for an exciting event where you will learn how to scale your business using smart strategies.

Our expert speakers will share valuable insights and practical tips to help you take your business to the next level. The sessions will provide you, as a leader, with a fundamental understanding of the theory that underpins the topics, as well as some practical takeaways that you can implement in the workplace.

The Masterclass will also provide great networking opportunities, include lunch and an evening meal.

The SME Leaders Masterclass is part of Durham University Business School's wider "Smart and Scale up" programme, which aims to support regional SMEs to grow and innovate. This event will be free of charge for this year.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge. The event will be held at Durham University Business School, The Waterside Building, so mark your calendar and get ready for a day of learning and growth!

Please note, SME is defined as firms employing fewer than 250 people and should be a registered business, sole trader, charity or Community Interest Company. Broadly, “SMEs encompasses micro (less than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million), small (less than 50 employees and an annual turnover under €10 million) and medium-sized (less than 250 employees and an annual turnover under €50 million) businesses.”

Agenda:

Thursday 23rd April 2026:

• 9.00am - 9.15am: Arrival and refreshments and introduction

• 9.15 am - 10.00am: Keynote speaker

• 10am – 1pm: Organisational Change workshop led by Professor Julie Hodges

• 1.00pm - 2.00pm: Lunch and networking

• 2.00pm - 5.00pm: Leadership Styles workshop led by Professor Olga Epitropaki

• 5.00pm – 6.00pm: Networking drinks

• 6pm onwards: Evening meal

Friday 24th April 2026:

• 9.00am - 9.15am: Arrival and refreshments and introduction

• 9.15 am - 10.00am: Keynote speaker

• 10am - 1pm: Strategic Thinking workshop led by Professor Simon Haslam

• 1.00pm - 2.00pm: Lunch and networking

LEADERSHIP STYLES

Leading people and teams: how to lead with resilience

This masterclass will focus on the fundamentals of leadership and help participants embark on a process of personal development as leaders. We will discuss key leader characteristics, styles and behaviours and highlight the role of context and environmental contingencies. We will address personal leadership preferences and perceptions and further discuss personal resources and motives towards leadership. The session will enhance participants' skills to lead people and teams in their businesses and help them navigate complex organisational environments with resilience and adaptability. During the module we will present evidence-based theoretical models, engage in interactive exercises and offer practical approaches and recommendations. By the end of the module, participants will:

· Have specialist knowledge and a critical understanding of leadership models and perspectives.

· Be more effective in leading people and teams within their business.

· Be able to navigate effectively personal managerial transitions and lead with resilience.

STRATEGIC THINKING

Seeing Around Corners: how to generate value in uncertain times

Aim of session: This masterclass will focus on the importance of keeping your business 'future fit'. It explores smaller and successful businesses can 'think and act' strategically, and equip themselves with greater resilience and fresh opportunities, It will do this be drawing on research and practice into strategy for growing businesses and leadership decision making. By the end of the masterclass participants will be able to.

· Appreciate the importance 'behaving strategically' and being 'future fit'

· Apply tools and ideas to help 'see around corners' and recognise future opportunities

· Draw on the range of decision making ideas to help 'make the right call'

· Apply an effective method to help remain organisationally resilient and 'fit' over the months and years ahead.

ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE

Leading change: effectively engaging people with change

Aim of session: This masterclass will focus on the importance of understanding the effects of change on individuals and teams and of engaging them throughout a change. It will enhance participants skills to manage and lead people through transformational planned change. It will do this by setting out frameworks, perspectives and practical approaches and recommendations for participants. By the end of the masterclass participants will be able to:

· Appreciate the importance of a managing and leading the human dynamics of change;

· Be more effective in engaging people with change;

· Create a supportive environment for organizational change.

· Apply tools and techniques for increasing the inclusion and participation of stakeholders in business transformations.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Durham University Business School, Riverside Place, Durham, United Kingdom

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