The Growth Company calls for businesses to join new international scale-up programme

Vikas Shah MBE speaking at the at The ScaleUp Institute

The Growth Company is looking for ambitious Greater Manchester businesses who are ready to take the leap to global success by applying to its Global Scale-up Programme.

Companies selected will gain access to unique peer-to-peer opportunities made available by the programme partners and the GC Business Growth Hub networks, creating a global scale up community for Greater Manchester. 

The programme launch was held at HOME, Manchester, attended by 70 small business owners and speakers including Vikas Shah MBE, Mike Blackburn OBE and Irene Graham, CEO at The ScaleUp Institute. 

Developed in partnership with high profile international companies including Santander, DWF, KPMG and Manchester Airport, the Global Scale-up Programme will help fast-growing businesses to seize opportunities in international markets.

The first of its kind outside London, the programme will give 50 of the region’s SMEs access to a global market entry network alongside a combination of tailored coaching, international growth sprints and regular bootcamps. Split into four phases, the programme will refine and identify target markets for each client and ensure that businesses are fully prepared before each international visit, with support ranging from strategy development to pitch practice.

As revealed in The ScaleUp Institute’s 2018 annual review, two thirds of scale-ups are involved in international trade, yet only an estimated 9,300 of the region’s businesses currently make use of opportunities in international markets - about 10 per cent of the 86,600 based in Greater Manchester.

Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth, The Growth Company, said: “The Global Scale Up Programme was launched to support Greater Manchester businesses to take advantage of the huge international opportunities available. Given the current uncertain economic times, it is crucial that we tackle this issue head-on, helping the best, most ambitious businesses in Greater Manchester to grow their international footprints.

“It is also about changing the mindset of businesses – instilling a sense of confidence and belief in their ability to expand both in the UK and overseas. By working with internationally-known partners and getting the best advice, it is time for Greater Manchester’s businesses to step outside their comfort zone and take the next leap to global success.”

Nicola Quayle, Office Senior Partner at KPMG in Manchester, said: “Ambitious, fast-growing companies in Greater Manchester need access to funding, to talent, to governance and to new markets. We hope to deliver all of these, alongside The Growth Company, and further embed KPMG within the regional innovation eco-system. This programme will build on our longstanding commitment to creating long-lasting strategic relationships with start-up and fast growth businesses. Quite simply, we look forward to using our expertise and opening up our networks and contacts to local businesses to help accelerate their growth at home and abroad.”

Sir Richard Leese, Deputy Mayor at GMCA for economic growth, said: “Greater Manchester is mobilising its resources to encourage new approaches to internationalisation that will enhance city to city trading relationships. We are delighted to be working with a range of world-class partners to help local businesses to scale up through global opportunities, and urge Greater Manchester businesses to register their interest in taking part in the programme.”

For more information on how to apply, visit:

• www.businessgrowthhub.com/globalscaleup