How the growth accelorator scheme could boost your business

Few salon owners would doubt the value of employing a business coach, but many are concerned about the cost, says Penny Etheridge from Radiant Hair Consultancy. Well the good news is that the government has recognised that within the UK there are many companies who have the will and commitment to develop but need a supported package to achieve their growth plans through assisted coaching and funding. While 90% of Start Up businesses currently fail it has been recognised that those businesses that have actually survived need to have the opportunity to access correct support through coaching and matched funding to be allowed to develop further. The spirit of Growth Accelerator,  part of the Business for Growth Service, is essentially to give companies the opportunity to get stuff done they couldn’t otherwise afford. Stuff such as business coaching, business workshops, networking events and use of an on line diagnostic tool. So what’s the catch? Well I have to say as someone who is an accredited Growth Accelerator coach and has already assisted several Hairdressing companies on this package I can’t actually see one. Dee Taylor of Perfection Hair, Yateley says: “Being part of the Growth Accelerator programme has been a massive boost to my business, I am more confident in my decision making, have clear plans and finally have taken control over my business. I have now been able to recruit two more full time members of staff and am looking to recruit more for 2015.” If it all sounds terribly complicated to apply take it from me it’s not. All companies who apply for the Business Growth package are assigned a Business Growth Manager. These managers want to help companies, offer tons of support throughout the process and promise not much paperwork! To be eligible to apply

• your company must be registered in the UK
• Have a turnover of under £40,000,000 per annum
• Have under 250 Employees

With 62% of small business owners saying running their business is a “constant challenge “I believe finding out about Business Growth and how it could potentially work for your business is an essential.   Penny Etheridge from Radiant Hair Consultancy has over 30 years’ experience with in the Hair and Beauty industry both as a previous salon owner of four successful salons and as a salon consultant. Penny offers one-to-one consultancy as well as team training sessions.  For more information on how Penny can help your business please go to www.radianthairconsultancy.com