University course aimed at helping small and medium businesses to grow set to begin in Peterborough
A 12-week course aimed at supporting small and medium businesses to grow is set to begin at ARU Peterborough next month.
The university will host the 10th edition of the Government-backed Help to Grow: Management Course from April 24.
The programme offers Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to strengthen their leadership, sharpen their strategy and improve their operations.
The course will combine interactive workshops at ARU Peterborough’s city centre campus, peer-to-peer learning, online tuition and one‑to‑one mentoring.
Graduates from the programme will also benefit from joining a growing community of more than 180 ARU Help to Grow alumni and a national network of over 11,000 SME leaders, providing continued support and shared insights.
A spokesperson for ARU Peterborough said: “Building on the success of nine previous courses delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough, this 10th Help to Grow programme will connect SME leaders from across the region with expert academics and experienced business professionals.
“The programme focuses on providing practical tools that SME leaders can put into action straight away to improve efficiency, make better decisions and drive sustainable growth. Topics covered include leadership and strategy, marketing and international markets, financial management and employee engagement.”
Professor Tom Williamson, Assistant Principal at ARU Peterborough, said: “The Help to Grow programme is instrumental in equipping business owners with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable growth and innovation.
“We are delighted to expand its reach, strengthening ARU Peterborough’s commitment to supporting the regional business community and fostering a vibrant alumni network.”
Mary Gilbey, Managing Director of Anglia Translations Ltd based at Alconbury Weald near Huntingdon and a graduate of the programme, said: “The Help to Grow: Management Course has inspired me in many ways in relation to my leadership journey, not only through the peer-to-peer network support but also through the one-to-one mentoring sessions and the fantastic learning modules.
“Taking time out of my business to focus on some of the key strategic changes I can make to grow the business has been invaluable.”
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “I'm backing more help for our small businesses. Our Local Growth Plan is about creating the conditions for growth, and schemes like the Help to Grow programme help put the building blocks in place.
“I am delighted that this scheme is now in its 10th edition and going from strength to strength. It is another example of how our investment in ARU Peterborough is benefiting the wider Peterborough community.”
Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of how our new university is not only benefitting students, but also our businesses and local economy. It can be hard to set up a business, so getting this specialist knowledge and skills will make sure our city’s entrepreneurs can go on to succeed, which will in turn benefit our whole city.”
ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
The programme is 90% Government funded and ARU Peterborough is committed to making the course as accessible as possible for local businesses.
To discuss funding options, email Fiona McGonigle, Programme Manager and Business Engagement and Innovation Lead at ARU via [email protected].
For more information, visit this webpage.