News Releaseemda initiative prepares businesses for High Growth1st February 2008East Midlands Development Agency
The HighGrowth East Midlands programme is designed to offer world-class support, advice and mentoring, with the aim of increasing the profitability of businesses. Funded by East Midlands Development Agency, the project will be providing specialist support for 165 businesses that are achieving, or are preparing for, high growth. The £3.7 million programme has been launched following a successful High Growth pilot that took place during 2006 with 20 companies. The majority of companies that participated in this benefited from a 25% increase in turnover and a total of 387 jobs were created. There are two main elements to the new support programme, one for those that are ready for growth and another for those that are already growing. The Growth Readiness programme is aimed at those companies that are ready for growth. It provides a six-month package of support which includes diagnosis of the potential for development; a one-day coaching module for businesses, strategic planning and five days of individual coaching. For businesses that are already growing, the High Growth programme provides 20 days of intensive coaching and a three day residential masterclass for Managing Directors and Chief Executives which has been designed by the Nottingham Business School. This training focuses on ‘Retaining your Competitive Edge’ and the programme also provides coaching for middle managers within businesses on the subject of ‘Gearing up for Growth’. According to the Europe 500 Survey [a survey of the fastest growing companies in Europe], the UK leads the way, with 76 of the 500 fastest growing businesses. However, only four of these are in the East Midlands. Bryan Jackson, who made the keynote speech at the launch event, believes that the High Growth programme will result in more regional businesses making the Europe 500 list in future. “To survive and prosper, businesses in our region will need to work smarter, not simply harder, so good quality business support is absolutely vital to every single business. “The High Growth support programme is an important addition to the flagship business support products that emda has developed and it is a very important component of our business support strategy. “My goal is to at least double the number of East Midlands businesses on the Europe 500 list by 2010 - businesses that will help to create a flourishing region that competes with the world’s best.” Sahar Hashemi believes that the High Growth programme will help the region’s entrepreneurs: “I wish that there had been support like this when I was starting out. Growing a business is a wonderful journey, but it requires courage and many entrepreneurs are afraid to take the leap. However, with the support of the High Growth programme, they now have a fantastic opportunity to ensure that they are successful on the journey through growth.” For further details about HighGrowth East Midlands, telephone 0845 365 4769 or visit www.hgeastmidlands.com ENDSFor further information about this press release please contact Nick King Media and PR Manager on 0115 988 8375; email: nickking@emd.org.uk Notes to Editors• HighGrowth East Midlands is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) • HighGrowth East Midlands is delivered by emda in partnership with Exponential, Momenta and Pera Innovation • HighGrowth East Midlands will be formally launched on 31st January 2008 • For further information regarding HighGrowth East Midlands contact Tonia Smreczak on 0870 190 3876 About emda• East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. • Working in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations the aim is to deliver the 2006 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ‘A Flourishing Region’, which sets out regional priorities until 2020. • The RES, coordinated by emda, highlights the themes of productivity, sustainability and equality and builds on the previous two strategies; ‘Prosperity Through People’ and ‘Destination 2010’. • In early 2007 the National Audit Office announced emda had received the highest possible grade of 'performing strongly' in an independent assessment of our work - scoring 22 out of 24. • For more details visit www.emda.org.uk |
