GrowthAccelerator offers SMEs expansion opportunities
THE importance of a “lean but robust infrastructure” for SMEs was highlighted at an event to mark the launch of a new service designed to help support high-growth potential businesses in Yorkshire.
Mark Palmer, former Global Brand Director of Green & Blacks and keynote speaker at the Growth Accelerator event in Leeds, told how the company grew from a niche ethical specialist brand to the fastest growing premium chocolate brand in the UK and US natural foods markets.
He said of growing a business: “In my experience of working inside and advising SME fast growth companies, the most thing to get right first is the back office.
“Whilst of course being mindful of costs, it is important to build a lean but robust infrastructure that is fit for purpose and can withstand the anticipated growth.”
More than 150 people attended the event in Leeds this week as part of an eight event nationwide tour.
GrowthAccelerator is a £200m Government programme launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable earlier this year to support SMEs with the potential to become major companies.
The networking events are designed to bring GrowthAccelerator to businesses across each region and provide inspiration and guidance for businesses that are keen to see rapid growth.
Busines journalist Michael Taylor hosted the Leeds event.
He said: “GrowthAccelerator represents a new movement that has decided to not take part in this recession and instead, power forward and identify opportunities for growth.
“There is no doubt that business conditions are as tough as ever, but the launch of GrowthAccelerator is a call out to businesses that have aptitude, attitude, ambition and capability for growth.
“This is the launch of a journey for businesses and entrepreneurs and GrowthAccelerator’s unique selling point is a network of passionate specialist coaches who can really add value to any business determined to grow.”
The next GrowthAccelerator vent will take place in Sheffield on October 18. For more information and to register, visit www.growthaccelerator.com/events.
