Entrepreneur launches online time management course

A Birmingham-based entrepreneur has launched an online training course on time management which he says will help users find an extra 16-hours in their weeks.

Andy Edwards, owner and founder of TimeSmart, has created SmartWeek – a 13-week module programme which aims to help users get their time back while also working more efficiently.

Instead of looking at just a traditional 35 hour or 40 hour work week, users are asked to analyse  their 168 hour week as a whole and map out their time in to specific chunks focussed around family, work, wellbeing  and other priorities as outlined by the user.

Edwards said: “You have to look at your time as a whole unit and not simply your work and life outside of work. That’s why it’s important to plan your personal life and your business life within the same calendar of activity. You have the power to decide how you will spend your time.

“SmartWeek enables people to stay focussed and work hard but also find the time they need to do things they enjoy. It helps them consider what they do to make the most of their time. If you want to free up time, you need to find out how you can which is where the course comes in.”

Instead of using phones, tablets or PCs, users are asked to map out their weeks on an A4 sheet of paper. This, Edwards says, allows for a better way of thinking and planning which helps in making actions achievable.

Edwards has been running his TimeSmart business for more than eight years. His professional experience includes more than 20 years working for large corporates predominantly in retail management.

He said: “I have a very good understanding of corporate culture and operating in that space. Through TimeSmart, I have trained a number of corporate managers as well as teams in smaller businesses and I am confident in the system that I have developed. It gets results and those that have used it are happy with what they have achieved.”

Edwards was looking to develop a training programme specifically for large corporates when he joined the NatWest Accelerator programme in Birmingham. The three-stage programme, based at Brindley Place, has been designed for enterprises and early stage businesses,  and includes free mentoring, insight and bespoke coaching, specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who want to grow and scale their business.

Edwards said: “I came into the programme with one idea for the business but through coaching and talks with Acceleration Manager that I decided to develop and launch the SmartTime programme.

“I wish something like the Accelerator Hub had existed when first I came out my corporate role. It’s amazing how we have come together as a community of entrepreneurs supporting each other. The mentors on the programme provide advice which is so relevant to what we do each day.”

Pam Sheemar, entrepreneur development manager at NatWest, said: “Andy has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and has helped to create a fantastic work culture in our hub. His SmartTime course compliments who he is as an entrepreneur and will help to change work patterns for many.”

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