Business coaching scheme creates new jobs
A COACHING and mentoring course for high growth businesses resulted in the creation of 200 new jobs in May, according to the company behind the scheme.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency’s High Growth Programme, delivered by Manchester-based management consultancy Winning Pitch, was launched in September 2008 to help 1,800 businesses across the region to achieve high levels of sustainable growth.
The High Growth Programme targets small and medium new and very early stage businesses that show the aspiration and capability of growing to a turnover of £500,000 in the first three years of trading. It is also aimed at established businesses with a turnover of £500,000 or more and have the ability to grow at 20% a year.
The 10 day coaching and mentoring programme has received £10m funding to run for three years, by the NWDA and the Northwest ERDF programme.
Since launch, Winning Pitch has worked with more than 1,500 businesses, the majority of which are still receiving coaching.
The programme is now in its second year and in full flow in terms of the coaching process and hitting the programme outputs, according to the company.
It says the programme created more than 200 jobs in the North West in May, with the total number of jobs created now at around 850.
Brian Dormand, managing director for Winning Pitch, said: “We are delighted to be playing a key role in delivering this programme. By providing practical and tailored support to growth wish entrepreneurs the programme is having a massive impact on the North West.
“We are passionate about the growth agenda and indeed supporting entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions. It’s very rewarding to observe the difference the programme is now making.”
David Malpass, director of European Programme at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, added: “The High Growth programme is really gathering pace now and it is close to achieving its targets earlier than planned. This programme is providing vital support, such as dedicated coaching, that will help new businesses from all sectors with high growth potential to achieve their goals.”
