The taster event on Monday 16 December at Rheged, near Penrith, formed part of the programme, which is being delivered by Lancaster University Management School’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development.

, Lancaster University Management School programme manager for Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria, said: “Dan delivered an inspirational talk giving a fascinating insight into the management and organisation behind the scenes of Team GB’s gold rush on the road and in the velodrome at last year’s Olympics, particularly with the men’s endurance riders.

“Dan gave a number of insights that could be used in a business context such as good leadership is about being accountable, being honest about what you expect of your team, and if you want to be the best – that has to filter through the team from the riders up to the coaches and head of the team.

“There were some fantastic lessons in there which people will be able to take away and look at ways to apply within their own businesses.

“We look forward to bringing more inspirational speakers like Dan to Cumbria as part of Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria.”

Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria is an innovative six-month programme that draws upon key elements of Lancaster University Management School's research into how entrepreneurs learn and grow, as well as experience gathered from running highly-successful management programmes such as LEAD. The programme forms part of the range of business support services provided through Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Rural Growth Network.

Peer-to-peer networking

Using principles taken from Lancaster’s acclaimed LEAD programme, Aspiring Businesses in Cumbria is designed to support companies by providing a trusted peer-to-peer network and activities to stimulate self-development and business growth.

These include providing opportunities for owner-managers and senior managers to engage with experts at LUMS, providing a supportive and trusted environment to work on business growth.

The programme, which costs £750 for eligible businesses, is recruiting for its first cohort of businesses, and will start in February 2014. This is made possible through the European Regional Development Fund.

Finding out more

Cumbrian businesses looking to grow, can find out more about the business support available to them by calling 0844 257 8450, emailing info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk or by visiting www.cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact us direct at Lancaster University Management School on 01254 510723 or email abcprogramme@lancaster.ac.uk.