Be the Business

Be the Business was established in 2017 to address the underperformance of UK productivity. Chaired by Sir Charlie Mayfield, Be the Business is spearheading a business-led drive to help companies across the UK improve their performance.

We provide inspiration, tools and resources for businesses to get started on improving their own performance. We enable business leaders to identify where the opportunities are for their businesses to improve, and we extract the best advice from other businesses on the approaches that are proven to work.

Our main programme is The Productivity Programme. It gives you the tools, energy, confidence and connections to tackle your biggest business challenges. You’ll get personalised mentoring, the support of a full advisory board, and the inspiration to take control of your company’s future.

As part of the productivity programme you will get:

Your own advisory board
Learn from the real-world experience of some of the UK’s smartest business brains: senior figures from top companies, independent consultants and respected retirees. 

In 90-minute meetings, roughly every eight weeks, they’ll unpack your challenges and share expertise on finance, marketing, operations, sales and HR. 

1-to-1 mentoring sessions
Work directly with a member of your advisory board. Ask all the difficult questions and hone the skills you need for success.

As you dig into your business strengths and weaknesses, you’ll want deeper advice on specific challenges. These sessions will fall in between your board meetings, so you keep the momentum going throughout your time on the programme.

Online peer sessions
Compare notes, share successes and explore ideas around productivity with peers and guest experts.

Learn from small business leaders facing similar challenges and grow your network in our regular interactive meets.

What one top tip would you give to a business owner embarking on a growth plan?

Make sure that strengthening your business planning and strategy, employee motivation and engagement, and leadership and management skills are priorities in your firm’s business plan every year.

Why is Lancashire a great place to grow a business?

Lancashire has a wealth of natural resources, incredible universities, thriving towns, a diverse and welcoming population, and a huge number of successful businesses to collaborate with and learn from.

Why are you backing Boost Business Lancashire?

For SMEs trying to navigate a complex business support landscape, Boost is an invaluable source of information.

Find out more here: The Productivity Programme | Be the Business