East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has announced that it is seeking a further 90 businesses to join High Growth East Midlands, its flagship business support scheme in 2009.
Launched earlier this year, the programme is designed to help businesses increase profits, enhance their competitive edge, and create conditions for long-term success. Despite the current economic climate, more than 70 East Midlands businesses are already benefiting from taking part in the initiative. The scheme forms part of emda’s long term strategy to stimulate high-quality innovation and accelerate regional economic growth.
HighGrowth East Midlands includes two programmes – Growth Readiness, for businesses that are ready and ambitious for growth, and High Growth, for businesses that are already growing rapidly.
The Growth Readiness programme provides a six-month package of support which includes diagnosis of the potential for development; a one-day coaching module focused on developing a strategic vision and plan and five days of individual coaching. It is designed to unlock the growth potential of the business and support the development of a strategic growth plan.
The High Growth programme provides 20 days of intensive coaching and a three-day residential masterclass for Managing Directors and Chief Executives, designed by the Nottingham University Business School. This masterclass focuses on ‘Retaining your Competitive Edge’ and the programme also provides training for middle managers within businesses on the subject of ‘Gearing up for Growth’. The High Growth programme aims to help existing high growth companies to sustain their growth in the longer term.
Retford based Rope Assemblies are one of 50 East Midland’s businesses who joined the Growth Readiness programme this year. Established in 1984, they provide custom-made assemblies and lifting equipment for a wide variety of markets, including the theatre and entertainment industry, construction and transport. The company gained the European quality mark, ISO9002, in February, which was a major breakthrough for their growth prospects, with growth forecast at 18% this year alone.
Managing Director Siobhan Hitchen said:
“Joining the Growth Readiness programme is helping the company seize the opportunities following the award of the European Quality mark. The Growth Readiness programme has made me realise just how focussed the company needs to be. The coaching provided is undoubtedly the most beneficial aspect, giving us a new look on how we operate, and the courses have been very useful.”
Mike Carr, emda’s Executive Director for Business Services, said:
“HighGrowth East Midlands aims to help East Midlands’ businesses achieve their full potential. It is designed to create long term wealth and jobs and is part of emda’s strategy to help create a flourishing region.
High Growth East Midlands can also provide the extra bit of help that businesses need to turn the challenges of the current economic climate into opportunities and help them maintain their growth into the future.”
Applications for the 2009 HighGrowth East Midlands programmes are now being accepted. Interested businesses can apply online at www.hgeastmidlands.com or call the helpline on 0845 365 4769 for further information.
