Growing Our People: Building Leadership at Every Level

How CTB’s partnership with the 26 Steps to Management programme is shaping confident, capable leaders for the future

At Cooper Turner Beck, leadership development goes beyond ad hoc training initiatives: we believe it’s an investment in people and in the future strength of the business. 

One example is our uptake of the 26 Steps to Management programme, developed in partnership with leadership specialist Beryl Cuckney and approved by the Institute of Leadership. Completion of a 26 Steps to Management toolkit grants participants Member of the Institute (MIoL), recognising their commitment to professional leadership development.

What began as a pilot for a small group of managers is now becoming a group-wide programme that’s helping to define how leadership looks - and feels - at CTB. It’s strengthening confidence, capability, and consistency across teams and regions.

As a finalist in the 2025 “Most Innovative IoL Approved Learning Programme” category, 26 Steps’ commitment to accessible, scalable leadership development is evidently being recognised. 

Here’s how the programme is working across our regions. 

A Practical Pathway for Modern Leaders

The 26 Steps toolkits take a whole-person approach to leadership. Delivered online and supported by mentoring, they help participants strengthen communication, accountability, and self-awareness in real workplace situations.

“The programme enables managers to reflect on their leadership style, overcome barriers like fear of failure or imposter syndrome, and build the skills to lead with clarity and confidence,” says Beryl Cuckney, programme author and founder of Malvern Business Academy. “It’s about developing authentic leaders who can make a real impact in their teams and in their communities.”

That authenticity has been central to CTB’s success with the programme. Over the past year, more than 20% of CTB’s leaders have completed a 26 Steps toolkit, with measurable improvements in team engagement, communication, and consistency across departments.

Stories of Growth Across the Group

For Karl Walker, Operations Manager at Cooper & Turner Distribution Rotherham, the programme has helped translate experience into strategy:

“I’ve worked for Cooper & Turner for over 11 years and have always been supported in my development - especially since the launch of the 26 Steps to Management programme. My role as Operations Manager is diverse and rewarding, with growing exposure to the financial and strategic sides of the business. I’m focused on continuing to grow and helping drive CTB to greater success.”

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In China, Gong Ping has also progressed through internal training and cross-functional leadership development, embodying the programme’s global adaptability. By translating the 26 Steps content into multiple languages - including Chinese, French, German, and Flemish - CTB has ensured that leadership learning feels both consistent and locally relevant.

“The feedback from our international teams has been hugely positive,” adds Emma Cavill, CTB’s Group Head of HR. “Participants value the flexibility, the mentoring element, and the sense that leadership development is truly for everyone… not just senior management. It’s helping us create a culture where capability and confidence go hand in hand.”

Beyond the Workplace: Leadership With Purpose

What makes 26 Steps distinctive is its social reach. A portion of the royalties from each licensed toolkit supports employability programmes for young homeless adults through the Be Your Own Boss initiative, helping them develop personal leadership and business skills to build independent futures.

“As leaders develop inside organisations like CTB, they’re also helping young people outside the corporate world to take their first steps into employment,” explains Beryl Cuckney. “It’s a model where learning creates lasting impact both commercially and socially.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for 2026

With the first wave of participants now complete and clear benefits already visible, CTB is expanding the programme across all regions. Leaders are being nominated for the next phase, which will extend into 2026 and include advanced modules on strategic leadership, vision, and values.

For CTB, it’s another step toward a stronger, more connected leadership culture: one built on confidence, accountability, and opportunity.

“Developing our people isn’t just about skills,” says Emma Cavill. “When people feel empowered to lead, they shape a culture that’s ready for the future.”

If you’re interested in a career at the Cooper Turner Beck Group, our open opportunities can be found here: https://www.cooperturnerbeck.com/recruitment

If you are interested in knowing more about 26 Steps, visit www.26steps.com or contact leadership@26steps.com.