More than 10,000 people running small businesses have enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management program, a government-funded training initiative designed to strengthen leadership and increase productivity.
By September, 10,635 people had signed up, with 7,860 completing the 12-week course since it launched in June 2021. The programme, which costs entrepreneurs £750 each, is 90 per cent funded by the Treasury and has cost the government £53 . million in the past three years.
Enrollment numbers are lagging behind Rishi Sunak’s original target, who as chancellor aimed for 30,000 business leaders to complete the training by April this year. Participation numbers have also declined recently, with 1,835 leaders completing the course in the first nine months of 2024, compared to 2,310 completions previously.
However, feedback on the program was largely positive. According to an independent survey by Ipsos Mori, 91 percent of participants would recommend the program to other business leaders. Many reported improvements in leadership and management skills, with 62 percent saying this helped increase their revenues.
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 will deliver £2.30 of value. Delivered through more than 60 UK business schools, the 12-week program offers 50 hours of classroom 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: “For ambitious business leaders looking to strengthen their leadership skills, Help to Grow: Management is an absolute no-brainer.”
Enterprise Nation has partnered with the Association of Business Mentors and Newable, a London-based business development agency, to provide mentoring matches. The contract for these mentoring services was advertised in 2022 as worth £8 million per year. According to the review, 89 percent of participants were satisfied with the advice and support provided by mentors.
The Department for Business and Trade highlighted that improved management practices can increase a company’s productivity by 10 percent. A spokesperson said: “Our latest evaluation shows that 92 percent of participants are satisfied with the program, so we would encourage all interested businesses to register.”
For more information or to register, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support/help-to-grow-management-uk#how-to-apply