SMEs sign up for growth programme

Twelve West Yorkshire business have signed up for Huddersfield Business School’s fourth Help to Grow programme.

The programme delivered by the Business School, part of the University of Huddersfield, is a 12-week government-backed management course designed to support senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses to boost their business performance, resilience, and long-term growth. 

The organisations, ranging from manufacturing and engineering to consumer services sectors, began their Help to Grow journey in May as part of their 12-weeks of learning from industry professionals and experts.

Andrew Heppleston, operations manager at Shield Security (UK) Ltd, one of the firms on the course, said, “So far, the course has included a great blend of information and activities, and it’s been great to listen to a wide range of knowledgeable speakers. I’ve already learned so much that I’d like to implement within the business, which will involve getting together with the management team and relaying all my learnings to them.” 

Luke Johnston, national sales manager at Decormax Ltd, said that as a result of the sessions so far, the distributors of decorative sheet materials are looking to reevaluate internal procedures as well as help two student placements in August. 

Stella Bowdell, Help to Grow programme lead,said, “It’s been a delight to welcome so many new organisations onto our fourth programme and to see them engaging with the course content and each other.”

“Our fourth cohort is proving to be ambitious, inquisitive, and passionate about improving their businesses, and we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve their business goals.”