DHP

Rising entertainment group looks inside for leaders

Entertainment company, DHP Group, was commercially successful with ambitious expansion plans. Recognising the talent within its existing workforce, it wanted to develop its venue managers to help drive forward these plans.

The brief

DHP Group runs clubs and venues, promotes concerts and manages artists nationwide. 

To help implement its ambitious expansion plans, the company asked us to help create a programme for 11 promising venue managers, who needed to pass on their experience and inspire their teams with positive communication and coaching. 

There were some challenging issues to address, such as:

• how to motivate lots of casual, student workers
• how to manage clients under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

Our solution

We worked with DHP Group to develop a Level 4 qualification in Business Management that was tailored to the company’s requirements. 

The first part was a Personal Development Planning module, which learners completed using an online learning portal. This gave people the opportunity to identify and reflect on their own strengths, weaknesses, developmental needs and professional approach. 

The second part was a Business Development module, which covered the theories and skills required to achieve profitable agreements between customers, suppliers and stakeholders. 

Specific topics included:

• Customer Service and the Customer Journey
• The Role of the Effective Manager
• Coaching and Leadership
• Business Development.

The material was delivered through blended learning, including 4 days of workshops held in Nottingham, close to one of DHP Group’s venues.

The workshops incorporated work-based activities, such as how learners would promote a real DHP venue in Bristol. These activities were particularly successful in engaging learners and drawing out fresh ideas. 

In addition to the workshops, learners undertook private study using the online learning portal and participants had access to tutor support by email and phone.

The results

All venue managers successfully completed the programme and one manager was inspired to move on to a degree in Events Management at the University of Derby.

DHP reported many positive outcomes, including:

• greater levels of confidence, with a knock-on effect of being able to work more efficiently and effectively
• the ability to spot their own areas for improvement and act upon these
• the ability to create a consistent management style across the venues.

“This was a value-adding course that UDC moulded to our industry and the areas of work our managers were interested in learning more about. The tutor was approachable out of the classroom and enthusiastic and engaging in the classroom.”

Hannah Bingham, HR Manager, DHP Group

“The tutor was brilliant – he certainly knew his stuff – and the material itself was tailored to our company and industry very well. I have already benefitted from the course. My time management has improved greatly and it’s helped me see certain aspects of management in a different light.”

Alex Black, Retail Manager, Thekla venue