Businesses in Lancashire invited to take part in Government backed development programme

Small and medium-sized businesses across the region can access a 12-week executive development programme delivered by enterprise experts from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), accredited to the Small Business Charter.

The Help to Grow: Management programme aims to help business leaders develop a tailored growth plan and is designed specifically for organisations with between 5 and 249 employees. The programme consists of seven online sessions and five in-person workshops, that will be held at Ewood Park, Blackburn this March. Help to Grow is a 90 per cent government-funded initiative that includes 50 hours of in-depth training, one-to-one bespoke support from a business mentor and the opportunity to accelerate your business performance. The MMU has had a fantastic response from small businesses in and around Blackburn who are taking  advantage of the MBA-style management training for a fraction of the price. With the cost to participants just £750, places are filling up fast. Rob Hallam, director of BigTank Productions, redeveloped their growth strategy that better aligned with their company values following completion of the programme. On completion of the 12-week programme he said: “The real difference in us as a company between starting the programme and coming out of it was razor sharp focus and knowledge. This has resulted in a continued growth trajectory and increased turnover in 2021 and 2022 with healthy profit margins throughout.” Aimed at senior leaders in small and medium businesses, the course covers strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams and digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. By the end of the programme, you will develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity, grow your revenue, and help take your business to the next level. To join the Help to Grow: Management course, your business must be an SME based in the United Kingdom, from any business sector, employing between 5 and 249 people, have been operational for at least one year and not be a charity. From June 14, 2022, businesses with 10 or more employees are eligible to have up to two participants join the scheme. Additionally, previous Small Business Leadership Programme participants are now eligible to join the scheme. The deadline for applications for the next cohort is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Step through the door to growth today and sign up by visiting the Small Business Charter website.