Bristol financial planning firm Paradigm Norton has launched an academy in partnership with UWE to invest in its next generation of leaders
Participants from the firm will study modules in self-leadership, personal vision, succession, sustainability and legacy and conflict and confrontation. 
With a maximum of eight Paradigm Norton employees each academic year, the course will demonstrate how the innovative firm is investing in the future of its team and the wider business.
The firm, which also has offices in London and Torquay, was launched by CEO Barry Horner, pictured, in 2001 and has strived ‘to impact the lives of their clients, for the better, forever’.
Earlier this year he transferred 80% of the ownership of the business to the wider team through an ‘employee ownership trust’, providing stability and security for its clients.
And in October it became the latest Bristol business to obtain the acclaimed B Corporation status in recognition of its commitment to building for the longer term.
All B Corp firms make a commitment to work towards reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
The leadership academy course, which will be exclusively available to members of the Paradigm Norton team, will focus on management and leadership skills and spans the normal academic year.
Those who complete the course will receive an accredited level seven certificate of leadership and management from UWE, as well as credits towards completing a further two years to achieve an MBA at the university.
Barry Horner said: “We have launched the leadership academy with UWE as a result of a desire to equip the future leaders of the business to lead with excellence.
“As an employee-owned business, we wish to ensure that our ‘partners’ have the required leadership skills that they need to help us grow and build the business over the coming decade. We have big ambitions and we will need leaders who can drive through change and help us stay current and relevant”.
Lynda Williams, associate director at UWE’s Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School, added: “Working in tandem with Paradigm Norton to bring this course to life has been fantastic, to be able to offer their team a sophisticated learning environment and a chance to build on their leadership skills is very exciting.”
Paradigm Norton was also recently ranked 22nd in the Top 100 Financial Adviser list by The Financial Times. The list provides a snapshot of the very best financial advice firms working in the UK.
