University of Derby to support businesses by offering Help to Grow: Management scheme

28 May 2021

The University of Derby has been selected as one of the first Business Schools in the UK to deliver the government’s Help to Grow: Management scheme.

The scheme, which is 90% funded by the UK government, is aimed at supporting businesses to scale up as the country recovers from the pandemic.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng recently launched the scheme at the Scaleup Week event, a week-long series of debates and discussions about opportunities for UK businesses.

Taking place over a 12-week period, the new executive-level training programme will combine one-to-one mentoring with a practical curriculum that will be taught by the University’s business experts. It will also provide businesses with the opportunity to learn from each other, as well as providing access to an extensive network of alumni.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Science at the University, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by the government to deliver this new management scheme through our Derby Business School. Our academics have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are ideally placed to support small businesses to help upskill their workforce, innovate and realise their growth ambitions.”

By taking part in the programme, participants will develop a business growth plan tailored to their organisation's individual needs and helping them to reach their full potential, as well as learning and developing a greater understanding of modern management and business techniques.

Speaking at the launch event, Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Helping small businesses to learn from the best will be central to building back better from the pandemic. Our new A-Team of experts will ensure 30,000 small and medium sized firms across the UK get the very best advice on how to innovate, reach new customers and boost profits so they can expand operations and create more job opportunities.”

The University of Derby’s Business School enjoys an enviable reputation, as evidenced by its Top 20 ranking in the prestigious Guardian University Guide 2021 (for Business and Management, and Marketing subjects). In the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS), Business Accounting and Finance scored 100% overall satisfaction, while, in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2021, Economics was ranked in the Top 5 for Teaching Quality and Student Experience. In addition, the University’s MSc Marketing Management had 100% overall satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2020.

Building on this success and ambition, the University recently announced its vision to develop a new iconic city-centre-based Derby Business School, scheduled to open in September 2024.

The Help to Grow: Management scheme at the University of Derby starts on 5 July 2021.