Help to Grow: Management course explained
If you’re looking to improve how your business operates, reach new customers, or put a clear growth plan in place, the Small Business Charter run a Help to Grow: Management Course, which offers practical training and tailored support to help you make it happen.
Delivered in 50 locations across the UK, the programme combines 50 hours of leadership development over 12 weeks with 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring. With 90% of the cost covered by government funding, the total for business owners is just £750.
Who can take part
The course is open to senior leaders working in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. To be eligible, you must:
- Work for a UK-based SME
- Employ between 5 and 249 staff
- Be part of your organisation’s senior leadership team, with direct reports
What the course covers
Topics include strategies for growth and innovation, building a sustainable and adaptable business, connecting with customers, and improving operations and financial management. The content is designed to give you the tools and confidence to drive your business forward.
An FMB member’s experience
We spoke to FMB member and national board representative for Yorkshire and Trent, Aidan Cropper, Managing Director of IPSUM UK Ltd about his experience of the course, which he is part of at Nottingham University business school.
Aidan told us ‘I was initially sceptical about how much taking part would really help my business, but the combination of peer learning and one-to-one mentoring has brought new inspiration to me across all aspects of my business, and I have learned a lot, despite being an experienced business owner.
‘I would encourage others to check out what’s available to them locally for this course and other training opportunities too, which are often part-funded for smaller businesses. You’re really never too old to learn, and gaining new skills can take your business to the next level. I have found the course really motivating and it has helped make my business run more smoothly and successfully. The free 10 hours’ mentoring you receive really focuses on your business and the areas of support and guidance you need the most.
‘The impact has been particularly noticeable in my focus to understand which direction I want to take the business and implementing a plan and vision to get there. The other huge benefit of the course was meeting other local business owners and understanding that although we are mainly from different sectors we can learn from each other and support each other by offering our experiences, good and bad! There is also an opportunity to generate more business and networks through the course peers.
‘The time commitment was initially a concern as we all struggle to find free time, but it’s only 2.5 hours online for 8 weeks and 5 hours in person for 4 weeks and has actually become something that I look forward to, as it focuses your mind away from the day to day running of the business and gives time to reflect on future growth and making the business better for everyone, including the staff as they now feel integrated into my vision for the future direction of the business. The financial cost has more than paid back in the benefits, I would definitely recommend this to others.’
How to find a course near you
Find this course in your locality: https://smallbusinesscharter.org/h2gm-registration.
If you have other specific training needs or just want to explore what is on offer in your area, a good place to start is with your local Growth hub – for independent free advice and access to funded training. Find your Growth hub here: https://www.growthhubfinder.co.uk/ or check out the new government business support service which is linked into local business support at www.Business.gov.uk.
Authors
Carolyn Frank
Carolyn has wide ranging experience of helping small businesses to thrive, and is passionate about skills, heritage buildings, retrofit and inclusivity.
