|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLATO™ New Zealand - Information for Participants PLATO™ New Zealand is a new business mentoring and peer support programme being introduced in June 2008. The programme is aimed at owner-managers of small and medium sized business (SMEs) and offers a learning framework with access to different experts and networking opportunities tailored specifically for the needs of growing businesses. The two-year programme, which will initially be run as a pilot in the Auckland region, is a unique addition to the New Zealand market and is based on an international model first introduced in Belgium in 1988. PLATO™ networks are now underway in Europe, the UK and Ireland. PLATO™ New Zealand is designed to complement the existing training and mentoring programmes already available. The local programme will closely follow the international model with elements tailored for the New Zealand businesses environment and the specific needs of SMEs here. What’s in it for me? Formal training: Formal training is a key part of the PLATO™ programme, and covers all the basic elements of running a successful business, however content direction is largely driven by the participants and their needs. Content may include strategy and business planning, sales and marketing, accounting and finance, tax, human resource management, raising capital and export. Expert Advice and Sounding Board: PLATO™ has proven itself to be a successful model that allows business to test their strategies against a sounding board of those who have ‘been there, done that’ and more importantly against companies who are at a similar level of development. Business Peer Point of Difference: Over the past two decades PLATO™ has proven successful in assisting the growth of SMEs throughout Europe. PLATO™ offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from their peers, trained facilitators and other experts within a formal learning context. Specific emphasis is placed on relationship building and growth within each group. Tailored for Success: While PLATO™ follows a set format, the overall direction of each network is determined by the specific needs and issues of the participants involved. Group facilitators will provide direction and guidance throughout the programme. Networking and Sharing: PLATO™ brings together small and big companies in a forum where information, contacts and business opportunities are the main focus. The programme encourages the exchange of information and experiences between participants and group facilitators and the transfer of management know-how. Commitment and Costs The New Zealand pilot will include two networks or groups, each with 10-12 participants and two group facilitators, who will be recruited from larger Auckland-based organisations. One of the groups will bring together businesses in the ICT sector. The other is non sector specific. The programme will begin in June 2008 and each group will meet on a monthly basis, for approximately 3 hours (20 group meetings in total). Participants will also have the opportunity to attend additional networking and training events organised for both groups. The cost of the two-year programme is $2000 per participant. Getting involved If you are interested in being a participant in the PLATO™ New Zealand pilot, please contact Emma Robertson at WHK Gosling Chapman: plato@whkgoslingchapman.com Ph 09 968 8519. Prospective applicants will be required to complete a questionnaire following which an applicant shortlist will be generated. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in order to establish their acceptance into the programme. What others have to say As a participant, I got tremendous value from the 3 hour monthly group meetings. There were lots of ideas shared, participants had the opportunity to air business issues and ideas for collective feedback and the status of issue resolution was always followed up at subsequent meetings, so there was little opportunity to ignore these. Derrick Russell, participant, Plato Ireland, 1993-1995. The UK PLATO programme really helped me to develop my business and gave me a trusted, supportive environment to tackle issues and share experience. It also provided access to specific experts where needed by the group and opportunities to learn from the wider PLATO network. Since participating in PLATO I have merged my business with another PLATO company and we are going from strength-to-strength. Paul Gordon, Managing Director Asia-Pacific, Catalyze. My own networking skills increased and my personal network changed and got bigger. This is an investment in yourself. Jos Verwimp, Philips Innovative Applications, Belgium. During the full sessions we also became aware of the problems of other managers. It made me feel good to know I was not the only one with problems. Jef Claes, Claes Totaalinterieur, Hoogstraten, Belgium I never had the chance to study at university, so for me PLATO™ was a unique opportunity to learn about the different economic principles in a practical way. Louis Daems, VMD Chemie, Arendonk, Belgium |
|
|
|||
|
Webmail | Disclaimer | Copyright WHK Gosling Chapman ©
|
