I have to declare up front that I’m a massive fan of this service. I’ve been on Growth Accelerator since about this time last year, and have to say the support and backing of Tim Sutton and my coach Stuart Ross have made a huge difference to my business. And I’ve had access to coaching and training that I just wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. I work with lots of companies who are on the scheme and they also have great things to report.
The headlines – what’s it about?
It’s a private sector partnership backed by government designed to help business identify their barriers to growth, their growth potential, and them help them get there.
It’s a combination of coaching, funding for training, and free courses to help you grow your business.
What do you get?
Once your business has been assessed, they assign a coach to you, or you may already have someone in mind you’d like to work with.
You also get £2,000 match funding for Leadership and Management training for EVERY director and senior manager in your business, so it’s a fantastic way to get your management trained up to help you drive your business forward.
If your priority is raising finance then you could join Access to Finance where you’ll get a coach who specialises in getting your business ready to attract funding from whatever source.
AND there are several free workshop that you can attend covering things like growth planning, innovation, intellectual property, sales and marketing, managing people (interestingly no finance!)
How much do you have to pay?
At the start, Pera invoice you for your contribution which depends on the size of your business:
– 0-4 employees £ 600
– 5-49 employees £1,500
– 50-250 employees £3,000
When you do your training, you pay your supplier and then claim your 50% match funding back.
Who’s eligible?
Limited company SME’s who:
- Are determined to grow
- Are UK registered and based in England
- Have less than 250 staff
- Have turnover of less than £40m
Click here for the details (link is external)
How to apply
Get in touch with Tim Sutton Tim.sutton@peraconsulting.com (link sends e-mail) or Coral Wilcox Coral.wilcox@peraconsulting.com (link sends e-mail) who will look after you, or introduce you to the growth manager in your area. Please mention me if you do; I get brownie points for that!
Or click here (link is external) to request a free consultation.
How long does the application process take?
First you’ll have a phone consultation for them to find out about your business and what you want to achieve. Then they’ll get things moving pretty quickly to meet you so they can decide which coach will fit best with you and your business.
Blatant sales plug!
I’m also registered as a Growth Accelerator training provider so if you’d like me to help you in your business or come on a course you can get match funding.