Businesses learn how to boost their brand
Businesses from across the North gathered at the University of Bradford this week to increase their skills and knowledge on boosting their organisation’s brand.
The ‘Help to Grow’ 12-week course, which began in September, aims to teach participants new skills to thrive in the post-pandemic world. Help to Grow courses should cost £7,500 each but are 90% subsidised by the Government, meaning organisations pay just £750.
On Monday 1 November, the first cohort of participants took part in an event at the University looking at customer engagement, delivered by Helen Preece, Associate Professor.
Helen said: “Our Help to Grow Business training gives SME leaders the headspace they need to reflect on their business operations, develop future plans and receive professional mentoring from our excellent team. Underpinning these sessions, is the idea that it is never too late to stop learning.”
The aim of the session was to assist delegates with their customer engagement, values, mission and vision across different disciplines that can benefit their businesses. It provided space away from the office to revitalize their brand awareness and strategic aims.
In attendance were 20 delegates from a broad variety of organisations and sectors, including Powerhouse, PatronBase UK Partners, VLT Logistics, UK Locations and Ice Time Ltd.
Jason Blundell, Head of Sales & Marketing at Cortech Development Ltd, a software company based in Cheshire, said: “I attended the session today to gather insights into improving Cortech’s marketing activities. Our brand has strong foundations, but we are looking to revitalize our points of difference and redefine the company’s positioning. I really value the chance to meet with other likeminded business leaders to discuss their challenges and reach solutions.”
Speaking about the Help to Grow programme, Prof Sankar Sivarajah, from the University’s School of Management, said: “This is our school’s commitment to provide businesses with the knowledge and skills to help them drive their growth. One of key outcomes will be having an action plan that sets out how they will take their businesses forward.
“The small and medium business sector contributes massively to the local and national economy. If we can enable those businesses to be 10 or 20 per cent more effective, the impact on the economy will be significant.”
Designed to be manageable alongside full-time work, modules cover financial management, strategies for growth and innovation, leading a high-performance workplace and digital adoption. By the end of the programme, business leaders will develop a tailored business growth plan to help their business achieve its next stage of success.
Visit gov.uk/helptogrow to find out more.