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ACE embraces Growth Accelerator

ACE has teamed up with the government backed Business Growth Service to support the recently launched GrowthAccelerator programme. This is part of the association’s aim to deliver increased benefits to its members.

Designed specifically for SME’s (up to 250 employees and a maximum turnover of £40 million) the GrowthAccelerator will help businesses get to the heart of the barriers holding them back and work alongside them to identify the critical steps needed to achieve the next phase of growth – rapidly and sustainably.

Support services will include coaching, workshops and masterclasses tailor-made to each firm and covering the full scope of subjects you ma y expect from business management and leadership programmes.

ACE’s Chief Operating Officer Anil Iyer says the move “provides excellent opportunies for members with ambitions to grow. I encourage firms to get in contact to find out more”.

The programme has a network of mentors throughout England. Established in 2012 it can claim to have already successfully supported over 26,000 businesses. As the scheme has Government support the outlay to small businesses is relatively low. For example the full cost of the course for a microbusiness (1 to 4 employees) is £3,500 plus £700 VAT. But as £2,900 is grant-funded the company pays only £600 plus £700 VAT. The services vary depending on the needs of the business.

Adrian Boult, Senior Partner of ACE SME member  bstruct LLP recently told ACE: ‘As a microbusiness I found this scheme tremendous value for mone y as I received an initial and very thorough business consultation followed up by around eight two-hour mentoring sessions in between for which there were course exercises that my mentor followed through.

The experience has enabled me to steer the business to wards rapid growth and positioning in the market. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to other ACE members.”

To find out more about the programme visit the weblink www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/ga

ACE’s contact at the Business Growth Service is: Antony Beak on 0789 118 2409 or by email antony.d.beak@uk.gt.com. Please mention you are an ACE member