Boost launches exclusive programme to help businesses scale

Scaleup businesses in Lancashire are being invited to apply for a new support programme which has been launched by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

Boost’s new Scale to Thrive programme is open to ambitious business leaders with organisations which are currently growing at least 20 per cent per year or are planning to do so.

The fully-funded programme is being delivered on behalf of Boost by national business support organisation, the Growth Company. Twenty business will be selected for the first of four cohorts based on a strict set of criteria according to their size and growth ambitions.

The successful business leaders will receive targeted support in areas which are key to unlocking their high-growth potential. This includes coaching to improve the management team’s leadership capabilities, develop talent and skills within the business and support to expand into new markets.

The programme will also include help to access growth finance, as well as advice to help them build a business infrastructure to support their rapid expansion. 

Richard Jeffery, national director, GC Business, said: “There are currently around 800 businesses across Lancashire that have achieved growth of 20 per cent per year over the past three years. These are recognised nationally as scaleup businesses.

“They experience a variety of unique business pressures due to their high growth. Through Boost’s Scale to Thrive programme, we have developed a specialist package of support designed to meet their specific needs, based on our proven approach from working with scaleups across the UK.

“The application process is designed to ensure we recruit ambitious businesses that meet this high-growth criteria and will therefore benefit the most from the programme. We encourage eligible businesses, who are currently scaling or aspire to do so, to apply via the Boost website.”

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. Led by Lancashire County Council, it is supported by Government and ten local authorities in Lancashire. Boost’s mission is to help Lancashire businesses thrive and since 2013, it has supported over 14,000 businesses, helping create 3,500 jobs while adding £100m to the local economy.

Successful applicants to the Scale to Thrive programme will receive a dedicated scaleup business growth adviser who will work with them to understand their business challenges and opportunities, provide an in-depth analysis of their business and develop a scaleup growth strategy and action plan.

The support will also include mentoring, networking events, workshops and masterclasses as well as high-growth tools and resources.

Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “Boost’s mission is to help Lancashire businesses thrive. That means providing support to ambitious businesses at each stage of their growth, including unique targeted help for the businesses in the county with the potential for the highest growth.

“The Growth Company is a national leader is in helping fast-growing businesses reach their potential and a natural partner for this new programme. I’m excited to see which businesses are successful and how the service supports them to meet their high growth ambitions.”

The application deadline is 5pm December 18.