Business school launches new funded course for SME leaders

Leeds University Business School has launched Help to Grow: Management (HTGM), the latest government-funded initiative designed to support local small businesses.
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Published 2nd Dec 2021, 07:41 BST
Senior leaders in small and medium businesses that have been operating for more than a year and have five to 249 employees can apply.Senior leaders in small and medium businesses that have been operating for more than a year and have five to 249 employees can apply.
Senior leaders in small and medium businesses that have been operating for more than a year and have five to 249 employees can apply.

The course is designed for local business owners and senior leaders operating in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and who are keen to grow their organisation. The 12-week management course is accredited by the Small Business Charter and 90 per cent subsidised by the Government.

Anne Salisbury, relationship manager for Leeds University Business School, believes this Government-funded programme is an absolute must for local business leaders:

“The programme is heavily subsidised by the Government so for only £750 you receive an incredible 50 hours of practical leadership and strategy training, with one-to-one support, mentoring and peer-learning networks.

“As a small business we’re always willing to hear from experts who can help us develop our strategic thinking, stimulate innovation or identify new markets.”“As a small business we’re always willing to hear from experts who can help us develop our strategic thinking, stimulate innovation or identify new markets.”
“As a small business we’re always willing to hear from experts who can help us develop our strategic thinking, stimulate innovation or identify new markets.”

“With all the challenges that small businesses have gone through in the last 18 months, there is an overwhelming need for this sort of support in helping them bounce back.

“By the end of the programme, participants will be able to walk away with the skills and tools needed to innovate and build a plan for their next stage of growth”.

Senior leaders in small and medium businesses from any sector that have been operating for more than one year, with five to 249 employees, are eligible to apply – with two of the six cohorts specifically focused on ‘space and technology’ and ‘property’ sectors.

Deborah Smith, finance director of Multitech Engineering (UK), has been involved in programmes with the business school before and is excited to be part of the HTGM course starting in January 2022:

“When I heard about the Help to Grow programme I was really keen to register. I have taken part in other small business programmes with Leeds University Business School and the team has been brilliant. They work with you to tailor the advice and support for your own unique circumstances. We know our business better than anybody, but it’s so important to take yourself out of the day-to-day running of your company and work with external people who can bring new perspectives and advice to your situation.

“As a small business we’re always willing to hear from experts who can help us develop our strategic thinking, stimulate innovation or identify new markets for growth.”

Help to Grow is the latest support from Leeds University Business School for small business leaders, which also includes leadership apprenticeships, peer networks, student projects, research partnerships and non-executive director placements and training.

Professor Sarah Underwood, director of external engagement for Leeds University Business School believes the school has a big role to play in supporting local independent organisations:

“We form meaningful partnerships with local business owners and we work with them over time to innovate, improve and grow. What makes us the perfect partner is that we have access to exceptional expertise which means we can find the right solution for you.

“We’ve worked with more than 100 small businesses in the last year and for us it’s a long-term relationship. We see the same business leaders coming back to work with us time and again.”

Help to Grow: Management is a national programme delivered locally by Business Schools. Find out more by visiting www.business.leeds.ac.uk/small-business or contact relationship manager Anne Salisbury at [email protected]

Related topics:SMEs