More than 10,000 people running small businesses have enrolled in the Help Grow: Management programme, a government-backed training initiative aimed at strengthening leadership and boosting productivity.
By September, 10,635 people had signed up, and 7,860 people had completed the 12-week course since its launch in June 2021. The scheme, which costs business owners £750 each, is 90 per cent funded by the Treasury and has cost the Government £53. million dollars during the past three years.
The enrollment figure falls short of the initial target set by Rishi Sunak, who, as chancellor, was aiming for 30,000 business leaders to complete the training by April this year. Participation rates have also fallen recently: 1,835 leaders completed the course in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2,310 who completed it previously.
However, reactions to the program have been largely positive. According to an independent review by Ipsos MORI, 91 percent of respondents would recommend the scheme to other business leaders. Many reported improved leadership and management skills, with 62 percent saying it helped increase their revenue.
In her Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended funding for Help to Grow: Management until the end of March 2026. The Treasury estimates that for every £1 spent, the scheme delivers £2.30 worth of value. The 12-week programme, which is offered through more than 60 UK business schools, offers 50 hours of classroom-style training and ten hours of mentoring, along with networking opportunities through events and alumni activities.
Emma Jones, founder and CEO of small business network Enterprise Nation, praised the initiative, saying: “For aspiring business leaders who want to enhance their leadership skills, Help Grow: Manage is a complete no-brainer.”
Enterprise Nation works alongside the Association of Business Mentors and Newable – a London-based enterprise development agency – to provide matching mentoring services. This mentoring services contract was announced in 2022 and will be worth £8 million per annum. According to the review, 89 percent of participants were satisfied with the advice and support provided by mentors.
The Ministry of Business and Trade stressed that improving management practices can boost a company’s productivity by 10 percent. A company spokesperson said: “Our latest evaluation showed that 92% of participants were satisfied with the programme, so we encourage any interested company to sign up.”
For more information or to register, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support/help-to-grow-management-uk#how-to-apply
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