North Tyneside businesses are encouraged to join the fully funded GROW Programme.
- The programme offers one-to-one consultancy and mentoring support.
- Over 70 businesses have benefited since its launch in May 2024.
- Participants have enhanced processes and explored new market opportunities.
- The programme runs until March 2025, aiming to support business growth.
Business owners in North Tyneside are being invited to take part in the Innovation SuperNetwork’s GROW Programme, which is fully funded and aims to provide growth and development opportunities. This initiative includes personalised consultancy and mentorship, making it an attractive proposition for businesses that have been operational for at least a year. It is part of the broader Business Factory support from the North Tyneside Council, designed to aid various size enterprises, ranging from start-ups to established businesses and social enterprises.
Cheryl Tanner, founder of Menopause Fitness Coach, is among the first to see tangible benefits from the GROW Programme. Speaking about her experience, she noted the comprehensive support she received from her mentor Laura Kemp, who provided crucial insights into refining her social media strategies and overall online presence. This allowed Cheryl to not only strengthen her confidence but also to introduce new products, such as workshops and networking events. The programme has empowered her to extend her business offerings and plan for future expansion, including the potential for opening a larger facility.
Ingrid Wilkinson, Director of OPAL Northeast, also shared her success story following participation in the programme. Faced with rapid business growth post-pandemic, she found herself needing guidance on issues such as staff management and business efficiency. Her mentor, Sarah Cox, was instrumental in helping Ingrid explore new marketing avenues and connecting her with essential resources like funding, legal, and IT advice. These interactions have laid a strong foundation for business infrastructure improvements, paving the way for launching a second enterprise.
Leanne Miller, the GROW Programme Manager at the Innovation SuperNetwork, highlighted that their in-depth knowledge of local business challenges has enabled them to provide tailored assistance that covers a wide array of needs, from business strategy to commercial property advice. She expressed satisfaction at the programme’s impact on businesses under its wing and encouraged others in the region to participate, ensuring tailored support to meet individual business requirements.
The GROW Programme continues to support North Tyneside businesses in their pursuit of growth until March 2025. This project is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now administered by the North East Combined Authority.
