The Cultivate Growth programme started in October 2025, and since then there have been a series of face to face meetings, combined with podcasts, and general support for our business leaders. Our ambition has to been to provide a structured course for business leaders to supplement our programme. Something to cover leadership, sales, finance, etc. in a bite sized pieces and in a digestible format.

We are delighted to announcement that we are working with Oxford Brookes University to deliver that business leader training, and promoting their Help to Grow programme.  This course would normally cost £750* but there is currently a grant that covers this cost. It is 12 weeks long and the syllabus is just the sort of thing that I wish was available to me 25 years ago. Don’t fret, much of the training is done online, so it’s not a weekly hike to Headington but now we have ubers, even those trips are less painful.

I would encourage people to take a serious look at this. The details are outlined below:

Practical leadership development for ambitious small business leaders

Help to Grow: Management is a flagship, government‑backed leadership and management programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses unlock sustainable growth. Developed and delivered by expert business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter, the course supports leaders to build confidence, capability and a clear plan for the future.

What is the course?

This 12‑week programme blends practical learning with real-world application. It is specifically created for SME leaders who want to strengthen their strategic skills while continuing to run their business. The course combines:

12 structured modules

Peer group learning sessions

One-to-one mentoring with an experienced business mentor

From the very first session, participants begin developing a Growth Action Plan, ensuring learning translates directly into measurable business improvement.

What will participants learn?

The curriculum focuses on the core areas that drive productivity, resilience and long-term success. Key themes include:

Strategy and innovation – clarifying direction, strengthening competitive advantage and identifying growth opportunities

Digital transformation – understanding how digital adoption can improve efficiency and scalability

Customer engagement and marketing – building demand through clearer value propositions and targeted marketing strategies

Leadership and culture – enhancing employee engagement, purpose and organisational resilience

Responsible business and performance – improving financial management and sustainable business practices.

Who is it for?

The course is open to UK businesses that:

Have been operating for more than one year

Employ 5–249 people

Are led by a senior decision-maker such as a founder, director or senior manager

The programme is ideal for leaders who may be technical experts or experienced managers but want formal development to support the next stage of business growth.

Why join?

Participants benefit from:

Practical, immediately applicable learning

Expert academic insight aligned to real SME challenges

Peer support and shared learning across sectors

Continued access to a national alumni network of business leaders and free events after completion.

With 93% of participants saying they would recommend the course, Help to Grow: Management is already making a tangible difference to thousands of UK businesses.

A unique opportunity to grow with confidence

Whether you are planning your next phase of expansion, navigating uncertainty, or looking to professionalise how your business is run, Help to Grow: Management provides the tools, confidence and support to lead with purpose and drive lasting performance improvement.

The next course starts on the 2nd June and you can easily register online (Register onto a course | Small Business Charter). Remeber this course is currently free, please be sure to select ‘Innovation Oxf‘ when you see the section about ‘how you heard about the course’.

* – the £750 funding is subject to meeting the universities criteria for entry into the programme.