Pictured above: Ellen Morley, Principal of The Business Company

A leading Shropshire business consultant who specialises in management and personal development has praised county businesses for recognising that the skills of their managers are what will get them through the aftermath of the recession. 

The praise comes after a recent study carried out by a top UK Business School found that 67% of HR professionals have identified a "huge need" to ensure managers have the skills to manage effectively. Ellen Morley, Principal of The Business Company, says training courses she has run recently have shown that county businesses are already ahead of the game.

"According to research almost three-quarters of HR professionals put developing middle managers in their top two priorities for the coming year," she says, "Which is good news for the economy because those managers will be the key to moving businesses forward now the recession has peaked. They are the link between the top and bottom lines of the business hierarchy and they carry a great deal of responsibility, particularly in the field of communication." 

"After this long recession many managers will have lost confidence and the impetus needed to drive increased production. Training them to think, feel and behave more assertively can empower them to take greater control of key situations and handle difficult situations more confidently." 

"It is good to know that so many Midlands businesses recognise the importance of maintaining development budgets and leadership development programmes, even when times are hard. Focusing on those individuals who can lead their organisations into a brand new future brings out the very best in people and facilitates good team working."