University of Brighton marks major milestone as 250th local business leader completes Help to Grow programme

The Help to Grow management programme recently celebrated a significant milestone, with its 250th business leader completing the course.

The achievement highlights the university’s crucial role in supporting the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the region.

As SMEs account for 99.8% of the UK business population, their success is a national priority. Help to Grow, a government-funded initiative, is designed to provide senior leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to scale their companies. Nationally, 91% of participants have reported improved leadership and management skills and would recommend the programme to others.

The 12-week course, delivered through a blend of in-person and online sessions, equips leaders with the skills to develop a robust business growth plan with the support of university experts and a dedicated one-to-one mentor.

Here’s what our some recent candidates have to say:

“The best aspect of the programme has been the opportunity to step back and think about the business structure, operations and future goals. Because of the programme we are now looking for an investor or stakeholder and to restructure the business. I would recommend the programme as it is important to reevaluate and rethink systems, values and operations.”
Dr Mel Dymott, Dr. Med Christie Schramek UK

“The programmes strengths lie in starting from basics and taking a step approach, getting you to reevaluate your processes and ask why you are doing what you do. The programme helped me get back to purpose and values, then reinstating these to the team ready for the next phase. It gave me real oversight of business and introduction to other business leads.”
Jamie West, FGS Organics Ltd

“The programme provided value in allowing me to interact with people with similar SME challenges, providing interesting case studies to analyse and being informed and challenged by the expert speakers and facilitator. The programme helped me to focus on some small and large changes that need to happen to get us to where we want to be. It provides lots of benefits and tools to take away.”
Neil Walby, Acre Landscapes

“The in-person sessions have been a highlight. It’s great to meet other businesses and have some interesting discussions. As a result of the course we are currently reviewing our entire pricing strategy following a competitor analysis. It has been very beneficial to take some time away from the business and look at a larger plan.”
Tracie Davey, Worthing and Adur Chamber