Business growth hub The Icehouse has selected four business owners to receive their Owner Manager Programme Scholarships for the 37th programme. These recipients will receive up to 25% off the cost of the programme.

Liz Wotherspoon, Director of Growth at The Icehouse, was impressed with the high calibre of this programmes applicants and the lucky four who received the scholarships. 

“On the one hand, we have Luke Sharp, owner of Outboard Marine, who started his now sizeable business after leaving high school and becoming a boat salesman,” Liz says.

“On the other hand, we have Sam Aitken, a third generation leader of one of New Zealand’s largest independent food importers.”

Joining Luke and Sam as scholarship recipients are Brian Insoll from Waikato Shed Company, designers and builders of sheds for all requirements, and Charles Winstone from Lancer Industries, who have been making inflatable boats longer than anyone else in the southern hemisphere.

Over the course of the programme, these four businesses will embark on a five-month journey where they will develop skills, gain clarity and support to hone their strategic business plan and drive their business forward. 

“Having worked with nearly 700 business owners through the Owner Manager Programme, I’m looking forward to seeing how the programme will help these business owners take their business to the next level,” Liz says. 

Funded by Graham and Anne Catley, founders of Stolthaven Australasia; Impact Capital Management; Bernie and Kaye Crosby from Prolife Foods; and The Icehouse, The Scholarship Programme is in its second year. It is designed to enable more owner-managers to attend The Icehouse Owner Manager Programme.

Criteria for the applications were $3m+ turnover with a significant opportunity and ambition for growth, and equity stake in and management control of the business. Special consideration was also given to under 35s, females, exporters and people from diverse groups.

 

37th Owner Manager Programme Scholarship Recipients:

 

BRIAN INSOLL

Waikato Shed Company

www.waikatosheds.co.nz 

 

CHARLES WINSTONE

Lancer Industries

www.lancer.co.nz  

 

LUKE SHARP

Outboard Marine

www.outboardmarine.co.nz 

 

SAM AITKEN

William Aitken & Co. 

www.williamaitken.co.nz

 

 

Scholarship applications for the 38th Owner Manager Programme are now open. To find out more go to www.theicehouse.co.nz/omp.