CHAMBER NEWS
UpScaler programme provides opportunities for progression
A unique programme, which has so far helped more than 50 businesses to scale up, is inviting ambitious Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) looking to achieve and manage rapid growth to apply for the free scheme. UpScaler is run by Nottingham
Business School (NBS) at Nottingham Trent University in partnership with East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and D2N2 Growth Hub. Through the project, high growth
– or potential high growth - SMEs can access a range of support, including a comprehensive diagnostic with a specialist ScaleUp adviser, a programme of leadership and management workshops, and peer-to-peer networking events with a focus on sharing inspirational growth stories and discussing ways to resolve specific problems. Businesses can also access
funding towards management coaching or employing graduate talent. Mike Rose, Managing Director of
P. Ducker Systems, providers of road, airport and rail tunnel control systems, tunnel lighting and ventilation control systems in the UK, said: “Our recent involvement in the UpScaler programme has been two-fold; attending off-site workshops on specialist subjects led by expert speakers, and on-site coaching of our board on key areas of interest. “We found all parts were led by
people with friendly, real-world experience and equally the right balance of drive and encouragement to keep us on our forward track. “The past couple of years have
for us seen a period of market stagnation, with both technical and commercial decisions in delay. We struggle to attribute this to any single factor, indeed a “perfect storm” scenario. “The positive aspect is that we
are moving through this period pretty much unscathed, now seeing the benefits of long-term strategies on cash management, customer focus, and communication reflected by an upturn in our order book and a need to recruit at a time when others continue to flounder. I can only attribute this upturn to resilient and focused business management which has been honed through the UpScaler programme.”
Nigel Rowlson, Managing
Director of creative agency, The Dairy, said: “The programme has led to some significant outcomes for myself and the business. As well as being able to engage my team through better leadership, the coaching has helped me to explore and understand my own drivers as well as the business. “I also understand more about
the finances and what drives profit. With more clarity on strategic goals, I’ve now put a sustainable growth plan in place. “But there was one other real
benefit that I wasn’t expecting, mixing with and sharing experiences with other small business owners was really useful.” Principal Lecturer, Dr Lynn
Oxborrow, leads the UpScaler programme at NBS, an internationally accredited business school which is ranked in the top 95 of the Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2018. She said: “The businesses which took part in the first round of the programme have reported many benefits and are consequently making impactful changes. “They are now consolidating or changing their strategies, ensuring that they are employing the right people with the right skills, adopting new tools and techniques, and tapping into new opportunities and funding. “The programme also enables
senior managers to reflect on, and adapt, their managerial and
business network October 2019 39
leadership style and many have highlighted how they have started to notice an improvement in communication, training and performance management.” Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief
Executive at the Chamber, added: “Strong businesses have potential to grow very quickly and it is essential that there is nothing holding businesses back from growing organically – which in turn creates new jobs and a stronger local economy. “For those who have established a
business and are now ready to take the next step in their growth journey, UpScaler really is a fantastic not-to- be-missed resource to tap into.”
The D2N2 Growth Hub and
partners are delivering a number of strategic leader workshops covering various growth topics, while building a business community for peer-to-peer networking at their monthly growth forums.
The UpScaler Project is exclusively for growing SMEs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. For more information and to find out if your business is eligible for the programme, email
info@d2n2growthhub.co.uk or visit
www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/growi ng-your-business
ATTEND AN UPSCALER INFORMATION SESSION
An UpScaler project information session is taking place in Newark on 22 October. To book a place, visit
bit.ly/EMC_Upscaler
‘For those who have established a business and are now ready to take the next step in their growth journey, UpScaler really is a fantastic not-to-be- missed resource’
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