A renowned mentoring scheme is expanding in Gloucestershire to help established businesses rejuvenate their growth aspirations.
The HubMentor+ scheme from The Growth Hub Gloucestershire aims to help businesses with turnover of £1 million or more — or tech-based firms targeting that amount — to address complex issues that may be holding them back from achieving further growth.
The programme builds on the success of The Growth Hub's long running mentor programme, which has helped countless start-ups and micro businesses to 'plant their feet firmly on the ground' and navigate a route to early growth.
HubMentor+ brings together a small team of highly experienced business mentors, offering complimentary experience and skillsets to help established businesses tackle specific challenges, in areas ranging from commercial expansion to approaching lenders and investors.
It is targeted at businesses that have 'a clear aspiration to at least double' in size over two years; along with technology-based businesses with 'clear potential' to scale rapidly to over £1 million within a two-year time frame.
The pilot programme is already underway, with Cheltenham-based beds and furniture manufacturer, The Cotswold Bed Company, receiving support from hub mentors Kaedyn Sheikh and Nick House.
CEO Paul Whitelocks said of the programme so far: 'Meeting up with (lead mentor) David (Chapman) and the Hub Mentors team has been an incredible boost to ensure our future business growth.
'It’s the equivalent of having a complete boardroom of mixed skills and knowledge, who can share their experiences to help lead us forward to the next exciting part of our business growth curve.'
David Chapman said: 'We have a broad base of mentors to call on with a wide range of experience and skill sets and we are able to provide additional expertise when necessary.
'Two mentors have volunteered to help Paul and his partner, Alejandra, focus on building their strategy and planning to achieve their aspiration to more than double the size of their business; and that closely matches our overall remit to grow the Gloucestershire economy.'
Kaedyn Sheikh added: 'HubMentor+ is a great opportunity for businesses looking to refine their strategy and accelerate growth.
'This multi-mentor approach brings together different skill sets, allowing our strategies to work in harmony and provide a well-rounded perspective, tailored to each business.'
Businesses that qualify for the programme are invited to take part in a creative 'elevator pitch' style application process, before being matched with a small group of mentors that are best placed to help them.
To find out more about HubMentor+, visit thegrowthhub.biz or get in touch with your local Growth Hub.
