NEWS
From left , Teesside University International Business School ’ s Lucie Burton , with AM Recruitment ’ s Jamie Pell and Lucy Gladstone .
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH
In the bustling landscape of small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ) that form the backbone of the UK economy , growth and innovation is essential for survival and success . Teesside University International Business School ’ s Help to Grow management programme , a 12-week , 90 per cent government-funded initiative , aims to equip SMEs with the tools needed to navigate these challenges .
“ Help To Grow is designed to empower SMEs to thrive by offering them a deep dive into various aspects of business management ,” explains Lucie Burton , business development manager at Teesside University International Business School .
“ From marketing to digital adoption , and strategy to efficient operations , the programme covers the fundamentals that every business leader needs to master .”
The programme , delivered in collaboration with industry experts and academic facilitators , is part of a broader government strategy to support SMEs , which constitute approximately 85 per cent of the UK economy . Holistic and practical , it ensures participants can directly apply what they learn to their businesses .
“ The course covers strategies for growth and innovation , engaging with customers , building a sustainable and agile business and operations and financial strategies ,” continues Lucie . “ On completion , you develop a bespoke business growth plan to help your business reach its full potential .”
Billingham-based AM Recruitment is a prime example of the programme ’ s impact . By offering a comprehensive education in business management , access to expert mentors and a supportive alumni
Growth
How Teesside University ’ s Help to Grow management programme fuelled AM Recruitment ’ s success …
network , the programme has helped the company not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market .
Lucy Gladstone , AM Recruitment ’ s HR and operations manager , recalls how the course reshaped the company ’ s approach to business . “ Before the programme , our sales processes were somewhat outdated and our team was set in its ways ,” she admits . “ The course challenged us to rethink our strategies , from sales techniques to team culture , and it ’ s been nothing short of transformative .”
A pivotal outcome for AM Recruitment was the shift in mindset . “ The programme helped us look at our business from a new perspective ,” says managing director Jamie Pell . “ It wasn ’ t just about what we were doing wrong , but about how we could innovate and find new opportunities , such as expanding into international markets .”
AM Recruitment is now thriving , securing major clients across the UK , Ireland , and the United States . The company ’ s mission statement and core values , refined during the programme , played a crucial role in winning a highly competitive tender against 42 other agencies .
A key component of the Help to Grow programme is its mentorship offering .
opportunity
Participants are matched with experienced mentors who provide guidance tailored to their specific needs .
For AM Recruitment , the mentorship of Justine Upton , a seasoned business consultant , has been invaluable . “ Justine helped us implement new KPIs , restructure our sales processes and navigate some of the more complex challenges of running a business ,” says Jamie .
The mentorship didn ’ t end with the programme . “ We ’ ve kept Justine on as a consultant and she ’ s now an integral part of our business strategy . Her insights have been crucial in steering us through periods of rapid growth and in helping us maintain our momentum .”
Another benefit of the programme is the alumni network , which connects participants with a broader community of like-minded business leaders . This network has provided AM Recruitment with ongoing support , opportunities for collaboration and access to new clients .
“ We ’ ve built lasting relationships with other businesses from our cohort ,” says Lucy . “ In fact , some of our new clients came directly from those connections . The alumni events and continuous professional development sessions keep us engaged and always learning . The programme didn ’ t just change our business , it changed our future .”
To learn more about the Help to Grow Management Programme , visit tees . ac . uk / schools / tubs / help _ to _ grow . cfm or email Lucie Burton at l . burton @ tees . ac . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 87