New starters, new goals, new strategies — and everyone suddenly needs training, coaching, and development support all at once.
At BMS Progress, we see it every year. And that’s why we encourage our clients to flip the script: use August for strategy, not silence.
Most senior leaders agree that the biggest barrier to strategic thinking is time. But during the summer lull, time is exactly what you do have... if you use it wisely.
Here’s why August is a smart time to plan your people development:
• Fewer distractions means more space for reflection
• Get ahead of the Q4 rush before diaries fill up and budgets get squeezed
• Beat the September bottleneck and avoid competing for the same resources, coaches, and programmes as everyone else
Rather than wait for the September panic, set the wheels in motion now.
Whether you’re managing a growing sales team or developing future leaders, August is the perfect time to ask, "Where do we want our people to be by this time next year?"
Some smart priorities to map out might include:
• Leadership development pathways (especially for first-time or aspiring managers)
• Sales coaching programmes to boost performance ahead of Q4
• Apprenticeship levy optimisation before your unused funds expire
• Coaching-led initiatives that improve retention, engagement, and productivity
We recommend identifying your goals, skills gaps, and timelines now so you’re not rushing when September hits.
It’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for junior or early-career staff. In reality, they’re a powerful tool for developing existing managers, coaches, and future leaders—and the perfect fit for long-term L&D planning.
At BMS Progress, our most popular programmes support:
• Sales professionals stepping up their game
• Aspiring managers ready to lead with confidence
• Leaders and coaches who want to unlock potential in others
These are fully funded, high-impact programmes aligned to business goals—not just training for training’s sake.
September always brings a sense of urgency. But by that time, it's often too late to get a programme approved and launched.
We work with clients over the summer to:
• Align programmes to business goals
• Engage internal stakeholders early
• Map out timelines for a smooth September or October launch
• Handle the admin and onboarding
It means when your team returns from annual leave, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
If you're already thinking about how to upskill your team in Q4 and beyond, now is the time to start the conversation. Let’s shape a plan that delivers real results—right when you need it most. Get in touch with our team and make August your most strategic month yet.
Looking to tackle a business challenge? Develop and evolve employees? Enhance performance across the board? Find out more about our sales training and manager coaching courses.
Want to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy, or simply foster the next generation of talent? You’ll need to ensure that the curriculum is tailored to your needs and aligned with your values.
Want to find out more? Whether it’s about a specific programme, apprenticeship standard or just about us and how we work, our team is always on hand to help. Simply get in touch using the button below and we will endeavour to answer your questions.
