THE inaugural and sold-out ITBA Management Development Programme workshop, which runs over a five-week period, commenced at the ITBA offices in Kill, Co Kildare, last Monday.

The workshop is being delivered by Gateway Consulting, which has gained a good reputation in supporting and successfully assisting small and medium enterprises. The programme will cover developing a business plan, management and leadership, succession planning, financial planning (cost control, measuring profitability and cash flow), marketing, promotion and communication skills.

The workshop has attracted a wide spread of attendees, from young and emerging breeders to those more established, both flat and National Hunt.

ITBA’s Kerry Ryan said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Horse Racing Ireland and Kildare Local Enterprise Office on this educational initiative, which will be of great benefit to our members.

“We plan to run similar workshops regionally, specifically in counties where Local Enterprise Offices are both au fait with and supportive of thoroughbred breeding.

“The challenges of 21st century breeding are ever-changing and, more than ever, the importance of life-long learning must not be underestimated.”