Andy Burnham urges first cohort of new international scale-up programme to seize opportunity to “get the global reach they want”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has kicked off The Growth Company’s new Global Scale-up Programme as the inaugural cohort had its kick-off event in central Manchester.

Following more than 200 applications from Greater Manchester businesses, the selected 30 SMEs now have the chance to seize this opportunity to scale up by expanding into international markets.

Following the mayor’s opening words, the participants were introduced to each of the programme partners – KPMG, Santander, DWF and Manchester Airport– giving a flavour of the scale and scope of high-profile international support each brings to the initiative.

The programme participants enjoyed hearing Dom McGregor, COO at Social Chain, revealing his experiences of expanding into international markets by talking about the importance of understanding who you are and how you fit in, followed by an opportunity to get to know their peers via a series of roundtable discussions. Finally, Richard Jeffery, director of business growth at The Growth Company, reviewed the afternoon’s discussions and revealed what’s next for the cohort, including an international growth sprint and bootcamp.

This first cohort now has access to unique peer-to-peer opportunities and the GC Business Growth Hub networks, creating a global scale up community for Greater Manchester.

Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth, The Growth Company, said: “Having seen such a high calibre of applicants to the programme, it’s been a real pleasure to see our first cohort together for the first time. There was great energy in the room, and I’m excited to see how the businesses respond to the high-level opportunities we’re offering on the programme and take their rightful place on the global stage.”

Nicola Quayle, KPMG Manchester Office Senior Partner, said: “The launch event was all about connecting our team of experts with a group of start-ups and fast growth businesses right at the start of their journey on this programme. We are thrilled to be working with some of the most promising enterprises in the city region and can’t wait to get stuck in, whether that means helping to access funding, creating partnerships, navigating governance in new markets or finding the right talent. Opening up our international network of consultants and contacts will offer a great opportunity for these businesses to fulfil their international growth ambitions.”

The first of its kind outside London, the programme will give 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.

Applications for the second cohort will open in early 2020. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.businessgrowthhub.com/globalscaleup