10,000 small business leaders enrolled in a government-backed training program
More than 10,000 small business owners have enrolled in Help to Grow: Management, a government-sponsored training program designed to improve leadership and increase productivity.
By September, 10,635 people had signed up, with 7,860 completing the 12-week course since it was launched in June 2021. The scheme, which costs business owners £750 per person, is 90 per cent funded by the Treasury and costs the government £53 . million in the last three years.
The enrollment figure falls short of the initial target set by Rishi Sunak, who, as chancellor, aims for 30,000 business leaders to complete the training by April this year. Participation rates have also dropped recently: 1,835 leaders graduated in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2,310 who graduated previously.
However, the response to the program has been very positive. According to an independent review by Ipsos Mori, 91 percent of participants would recommend this program to other business leaders. Many reported improved leadership and management skills, with 62 percent saying it helped increase their income.
In her Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended Help for Growth funding: Management until the end of March 2026. The Treasury estimates that for every £1 spent, the scheme delivers £2.30 of value. Offered through more than 60 UK business schools, the 12-week program offers 50 hours of classroom-based training and ten hours of hands-on training, as well as opportunities to network with alumni events and activities.
Emma Jones, founder and chief executive of small business organization Enterprise Nation, praised the initiative: “For ambitious business leaders looking to strengthen their leadership skills, Help to Grow: Management is a no-brainer.”
Enterprise Nation is working with the Association of Business Mentors and Newable—a London-based business development agency—to deliver mentoring ratings. The contract for these advisory services was advertised for 2022 as being worth £8 million a year. According to the review, 89 percent of participants were satisfied with the advice and support provided by the advisors.
The Department of Business and Trade has highlighted that improved management practices can increase a company’s productivity by 10 percent. A spokesperson said: “Our latest survey shows that 92 per cent of participants are satisfied with the scheme, so we would encourage any interested businesses to sign up.
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