A PROGRAMME to support talented executives made redundant during the recession has been hailed a success after more than 80% of participants returned to the workplace.

A total of 176 people have now been through the Leadership, Enterprise Opportunity (LEO) programme since its launch by Northern Recruitment Group owner Lorna Moran two years ago.

Of these, 85 are now back in employment, 48 have launched their own businesses, 14 are working as consultants and one is in further education – training to become a priest in the United States. Just four are still looking for work.

The programme was launched at the height of the recession amid concerns the region would see talented people leave the North East if they could not find alternative employment here. At the time, many large organisations were being forced to reluctantly lay-off senior people due to the need to trim costs.

Ms Moran feared the region would be damaged by losing more talented people, especially since history suggests the North East comes out of recession more slowly than other parts of the country.

She said she had been delighted by the outcomes of the programme so far, which had far exceeded expectations.

“I hadn’t got a clue what to expect when we launched LEO but I was convinced that it was something that was worth doing,” she said.

“There was a big question about what the region was going to do with this talent and I am really pleased with the outcomes so far.” The scheme was originally supported by One North East and many of the programmes have been delivered by successful business leaders who have given their time free of charge.

“It is a great example of a programme that received some funding early doors creating something that has become very sustainable,” said Ms Moran. “We have also had some really senior people who have come in and given their time for nothing just because they thought it was a great idea.”