Punch's leadership qualification gets its first graduates

Learning and development manager, Helen Willis; regional operations director, Andy Crump and new business development manager, Stuart Burley, all graduated with a level 7 masters from Leeds Metropolitan University as part of its ‘multi-unit leadership scheme’.

The company were the first to work with Leeds Metropolitan University in its course designed around those in high positions within the business.

The course was designed around task-based objectives related to the students’ roles. These included Willis undertaking a dissertation on the impact of training in pubs. She said it helped her shape Punch’s foundation week training that all new licensees undertake and allowed the company to redefine the induction for partnership development managers.

Punch has said it is planning to put other employees through the scheme but not for the time being.

Willis said: “It has been a big commitment to undertake the qualification alongside the day job but I have really enjoyed it.  It has definitely given me a much wider business perspective and helped me to think at a more strategic level.

HR director Jackie Burn said: “I am exceptionally proud of Helen, Andy and Stuart who have all made a huge commitment in undertaking this qualification and am delighted that we have been able to give them this opportunity. This is a fantastic achievement and I have already seen how the knowledge and qualities that our graduates have gained is transferring directly into their roles and the wider business.”