Goldman Sachs to expand support scheme for UK entrepreneurs

The Wall Street investment bank pioneered its 10,000 Small Businesses programme in Yorkshire before launching it in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

It partnered with Leeds University Business School and other academic institutions to provide companies with mentoring and advice on growing their businesses.

Michael Sherwood and Richard Gnodde, co-CEOs of Goldman Sachs International, said: “We are very pleased to continue our commitment to supporting high-growth small businesses in the UK through our programme.

“We believe the private sector can make important contributions to supporting small business growth, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.”

The programme has a strong focus on structured peer learning and the creation of communities of entrepreneurs. Some 935 companies have taken part since the launch in 2010.

Charlotte Keenan, head of corporate engagement at the London office, told The Yorkshire Post: “Supporting entrepreneurs and helping individuals to grow companies is what we do, day in, day out.

“For us, it enables us to get the skills and expertise of an investment bank with our partners to drive and grow economies.

“Ultimately healthy economies are that are creating jobs and increasing productivity are the right way to go.”

She said the programme has been updated to ensure that it is relevant to companies and the stage of the economic cycle. It will retain a residential element with the addition of online tuition to take into account the demands of running a business.