emda announces more support for high growth businesses in Northamptonshire

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.

 

High Growth 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 programmes 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 indivisual 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.

 

Showmed, part of The Risk Practice Group, which provides medical staff for the events and entertainment industry, is reaping the benefits of joining the Growth Readiness programme. Alan Withers, Managing Director of the Northampton based company, said the business coaching was proving especially valuable.

 

"We are very good at being able to visualise where the business should be 12 months in advance, but for the very first time the business coach is helping us look at how the business should have developed in three years time.

 

"We are in the early stages of the programme at the moment, but we are adopting new business strategies, which are already starting to show results - the seeds are beginning to shoot. If there is a skills deficit in the group, the business coach is there to fill that gap or to point us in the right direction.

 

"I would recommend any company ambitious for growth to become involved with this programme - it really is very beneficial."

 

Mike Carr, emda's Executive Director for Business Services, said: "High Growth 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 High Growth 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.