Member Article

Young Worcestershire businesses offered chance to activate high growth with expert support

Ambitious Worcestershire companies can get free practical support for rapid growth through a high impact programme delivered by business development specialists Rockfine Group.

Rockfine Group, who specialise in mentoring business leaders to grow their companies rapidly, are seeking applicants for the High Growth Activate Programme, which is open to businesses up to two years old in all industries which plan to achieve 20% annual revenue growth for the next three years.

The High Growth Activate programme, run on behalf of Enterprising Worcestershire, is open to entrepreneurs with strong business ideas. Each business will get one-to-one coaching with experienced mentors who have launched successful businesses, with whom they will work to create an implementable three-year growth plan as well as receiving advice on securing grant funding.

With new companies needing support to overcome the obstacles in their way as they grow, the High Growth Activate programme offers an extensive range of business support interventions. Topical workshops will be led by experienced speakers, along with one-to-one and peer sessions with like-minded business leaders.

The workshop topics will include financial management, growing your team, managing multiple revenue streams and pitching your business, all covered by experienced experts with connections.

Covering key areas which can shape high growth businesses, quality cohort guidance will be delivered and matched by practical advice. Specialist advisors will be available to work with businesses on specific areas such as people development, HR, marketing and finance.

The programme is open to any company based in Worcestershire launched since 2020. To qualify, 70% of applicant revenues should be from the business to business (B2B) market and the company must have the potential to do things differently.

Business leaders taking part will follow in the footsteps of companies to benefit from previous Rockfine programmes. Among those to grow on the back of Rockfine support is Worcester-based cutting-edge research company Split Second Research.

Co-founder Dr Eamon Fulcher said his business has “a more meaningful direction” on the back of Rockfine’s support. He said: “I can now see a clear path through the fog. It is great to get an outsider’s perspective because working inside your own business can make you too short-sighted and focussed either too narrowly or on the wrong thing.”

High Growth Activate is backed by the European Regional Development Fund with support from the European Union, Worcestershire County Council and regional growth body Midlands Engine.

BD Dalton, Strategic Director for Rockfine Group, said High Growth Activate is aimed at young companies “with the potential to become high growth, high value businesses”. He said: “New companies need support to overcome the obstacles in their way as they grow through the early stages of business growth so we offer an amazing package of support.

“Creating a growth plan can help you develop a solid foundation for your high growth enterprise. We understand the pressures on businesses so most sessions will work around your schedule apart from the fixed workshop dates.

“We are looking to support the more informed start-up company which has a strong concept and value proposition. Potential high growth businesses will be assessed on the strength of the proposition, the technical skills and knowledge and business acumen of the individual or team.”

Tom Young, Project Manager of Enterprising Worcestershire for Worcestershire County Council, encouraged businesses to get on board with High Growth Activate.

Tom said: “Worcestershire has a thriving new business scene, with more companies looking to be based in our region as they shape fresh offerings for their markets. High Growth Activate helps Worcestershire County Council to generate economic growth for the county, creating new jobs and strong new businesses.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Leggett .