County council scaleup support service expanded due to high demand

A highly regarded support programme which helps the leaders of Lancashire scaleup businesses to improve their mindset and performance has been expanded due to demand.

Two Zero’s Scaleup Leaders Network works with the owners and managers of fast-growing businesses in Lancashire through a combination of coaching and peer sessions, helping them to learn from other businesses on the programme over a 12-month period.

Businesses currently taking part in the fully-funded programme include Burnley-based Moorhouse’s Brewery, Equestrian Surfaces, Hive Land and Planning and Red-Fern Media.

Following a high number of businesses expressing interest in the programme, Lancashire County Council has announced it will provide funding for another 10 companies to take part, taking the total number of firms engaged on the Scaleup Leaders Network to 50. 

Eligible businesses are being invited to apply now for the programme via the Two Zero website to avoid disappointment. 

County councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Lancashire County Council said: “Since the Two Zero scaleup service was launched in 2020, almost 100 businesses have received targeted scaleup support, helping to create 182 new jobs in Lancashire.

“The Scaleup Leaders Network is a key part of Two Zero’s scaleup support service. It is a winning formula, giving scaleup business leaders the tools to continue on their high growth trajectory and manage their rapid expansion. We’re pleased to make funding available so more Lancashire businesses can benefit.”

Two Zero is a business support service for scaleup business leaders in Lancashire. Led by Lancashire County Council, its mission is to help Lancashire’s scaleup leaders learn, grow their business 20 per cent and create jobs.

The Scaleup Leaders Network is delivered by Cube Thinking, a Lancashire-based high growth business consultancy which previously delivered Two Zero’s highly successful Scaleup Resurgence programme during Covid-19. 

The programme involves masterclass sessions on areas including strategy, accessing finance and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) as well as one-to-one performance and leadership coaching and peer group sessions with other companies on the programme. 

Justin Cove is director at Hive Land and Planning, a surveying and planning consultancy formed in 2018 which has offices at Strawberry Fields in Chorley as well as in Salford. He is currently taking part in the Scaleup Leaders Network. 

He said: “Our core offer is our quality of advice in all aspects of our work and our personal touch. We’re focused on growth, with the critical path being recruiting the right type of person. We have two new starters in December taking us to eight and we’ve always thought of 12-15 staff as our sweet spot.

“My personal ambition is to help build a team structure that can support the long-term future of Hive and not be afraid to diversify. We saw the Scaleup Leaders Network as a great way to challenge ourselves and understand our capacity to embrace change, which we hope will bring about improvements in everything we do.

“The programme has already given us plenty of food for thought and opened our eyes about how a business like ours should plan for the future. I’m a firm believer that you can never stop learning and should always find new ways to innovate.”

Jason Kingston, director, Cube Thinking, said: “We’re already seeing strong results from companies participating in the Scaleup Leaders Network and we’re pleased that we will be able support 10 more businesses on their scaleup journey.

“Businesses who register for the programme will not only benefit from our masterclasses and coaching but will be able to learn and network with a strong group of fast-growing Lancashire companies.”

Companies can apply for the Scaleup Leaders Network at: https://www.twozerolancs.com/programmes/scaleup-leaders-network/