SME Leaders Back Help to Grow: Management as Applications Open for September 2026 Cohort
Business leaders from across a range of sectors are continuing to see tangible benefits from the University of Bedfordshire’s Help to Grow: Management programme, with the latest cohort reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback following the completion of the course in June 2026.
The government-funded leadership programme brought together SME leaders from industries including hospitality and tourism, construction, technology and digital, agriculture, professional services and financial services. Designed to help businesses strengthen leadership capability, improve productivity and develop sustainable growth strategies, the programme combines practical learning with one-to-one mentoring and peer networking.
Feedback from the most recent cohort highlights the programme’s impact. All participants who completed the end-of-course survey said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience, while the majority reported that the course had met or exceeded their expectations. Every respondent also said they would recommend the programme to other business leaders.
The opportunity to learn alongside other SME leaders was particularly valued, with face-to-face sessions and peer networking cited as some of the most beneficial aspects of the programme. Participants also highlighted the Marketing and Branding, Operations and Financial Strategies, and Strategy and Innovation modules as delivering significant value to their businesses.
The cohort celebrated their achievements at the University’s historic Putteridge Bury campus, marking the culmination of 12 weeks of learning and the development of tailored growth plans designed to support future business success.
Following the success of the latest cohort, applications are now open for the next Help to Grow: Management programme, which begins in September 2026. Accredited by the Small Business Charter and funded by the UK Government, the course offers SME leaders access to expert-led learning, one-to-one business mentoring, practical growth tools and a valuable network of like-minded business professionals.
For leaders looking to take a step back from day-to-day operations and focus on the future growth of their organisation, the programme provides a proven framework for developing the confidence, skills and strategy needed to succeed.
To find out more and apply, visit www.beds.ac.uk/help2grow.