Leadership Management International (LMI) UK, one of the country’s leading people development organisations, has appointed Nick Howes as its new Managing Director.
He joined the organisation in 2009 as a franchise director, running a successful LMI franchise, first in the Midlands and then in the South East.
Howes now assumes control of national operations, taking over from outgoing Managing Director Ray King, who has run the business for more than 20 years.
Howes commented: “Ray built the business from scratch and leaves on a high following a great team performance in 2018 that saw programme sales up 28% over the previous year.
“Ray leaves the business in rude health, at a time when demand is increasing for LMI programmes as more businesses in the UK seek greater effectivity and productivity from their people to meet the challenges of the current commercial environment.
“There is an interesting mix at present; some organisations want more from their people in the same hours and others are looking to help their people deliver the same output, but in less time as mental health, wellbeing and work/life balance become key drivers for modern agile businesses.
“I hope to bring a renewed focus to the business and the support we offer for those organisations seeking to nurture the talent within and develop the next generation of leaders, who will ensure the continuing success of the business – much like LMI-UK.
“LMI has a 50-year heritage to be proud of, but we are a business looking to the future with a range of products designed to make it easier for more people to understand the benefits of goal-orientated behaviour, from Foundations of Success workshops to digital programmes.
“Already we have our most popular programmes available online, for participants to access anytime, anywhere with any device, to ensure their programme is always there for reference and inspiration.
“LMI-UK has a lot to offer and this is merely the next chapter in what will be a long story of success, supporting the people development ambitions of organisations of every size, right across the UK.”
LMI-UK, recognising the importance of developing new leaders, entered into a delivery partnership with Nescot College, combining their expertise to develop two new specialist courses that meet current apprenticeship standards.
The new Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor and Level 5 Operations/Department Manager courses allow organisations to invest their levy and upskill their existing workforce.
Former LMI-UK Managing Director Ray King said: “A lot of the businesses we work with are developing their people as part of their succession planning strategy and it’s good we can practice what we preach, promoting from within.
“Nick is the perfect choice to succeed me; he is a product of our products and real belief in the benefits of what we offer, flows through his veins.
“He understands the market and the drive for digital, but retains the desire to connect with people on a personal level and help them achieve their full potential, whether that’s as a franchise director or a programme participant.
“I am confident Nick will take LMI-UK to the next level with the support of a growing team of franchise directors, all of whom must realise the opportunity being presented to them.”