This issue we speak to Lesley-Jean Shaw who is the Commercial Director of Cumbernauld Theatre.
Lesley caught up with us to have a chat about the theatre, her role and how learndirect scotland for business has helped with their training requirements.
Q: Can you give some background on the theatre – what kind of audience are you trying to attract?
Cumbernauld Theatre has been running for 30 years but has undergone a restructure in the last couple of years. One of the changes in this restructure was the development of my post as Commercial Director.
The theatre has a broad audience - our wide programme means that we appeal to young and old, people from the local area and internationally.
Q: How many employees do you have?
We have ten core staff, four of which are part-time. We also have twelve service staff that work part-time as cleaners, bar staff, ushers and in the box office.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your role in the business?
I have a broad and busy remit which I find exciting and challenging. This is the first time the theatre has had a Commercial Director so I feel like I can take on the role and make it my own.
Q: What do you least enjoy?
I have only been in this role for eight weeks and as it is very different from my previous experiences in electrical wholesaling I found that some elements of the job required a steep learning curve. But once again, I enjoy the challenge and variety so it’s a good thing!
Q: What are your top priorities?
Cost evaluation, reducing overheads, developing a business development plan, sourcing sponsorship and funding from other sources and bonding with my new colleagues.
Q: What made you decide to contact learndirect scotland for business?
After the restructure people’s roles had changed and we wanted to review the current employee skills base. We had also completed a staff survey and compiled a ‘wish list’ of training courses that employees felt they needed. I had been in touch with Business Gateway who recommended I contact learndirect scotland for business.
Q: What happened next?
I had a huge list of training requirements, everything from leadership training to face painting, and I didn’t know where to start.
I had a meeting with Gill from learndirect scotland for business and we set up a ‘requirements matrix’ together. Gill took the matrix and brought back a workable, understandable and affordable training plan for us to follow.
Q: What features of the service did you find most valuable?
The matrix saved me so much time and was very useful.
Q: What kind of training needs have you identified through this process?
There have been so many different training needs identified I couldn’t name them all – everything from SAGE account packages to personal licence holder tests for those who work in the theatre bars.
Q: Did learndirect scotland for business manage to source providers or courses that you wouldn’t have thought of?
Yes, definitely. I think I may have eventually found some of them myself but it would have taken up hours, if not days, of my time.
Q: What other information did learndirect scotland for business provide that was particular useful?
We were directed to different websites and books we may find useful and Gill gave us ideas for our team meetings. The advice I was given didn’t just focus on courses, it was all embracing.
Q: How well was all of this information presented?
All the information I received was understandable and professional – I feel as though learndirect scotland for business speak my language.
Q: How do you think this training will benefit the business?
I benefited enormously from the advice I was given. We had gone through a major restructure so there was lots of work to be done but learndirect scotland for business also has the ability to address all those smaller training issues that crop up.
Q: Has the business any major training initiatives planned for the future?
We are currently following the training plan that Gill devised for us.
Q: What are the next steps – how will learndirect scotland for business continue to support you?
They are helping me to progress through the training plan and are providing support to help prioritise the training courses we have selected.
Q: Would you recommend learndirect scotland for business to other businesses?
Yes, I’ve experienced the advice and support available and I would definitely recommend it.