Café owner brews up growth with uni support

A Middlesbrough café owner is expanding his business after gaining new insights through a university-led growth programme.

Simon Fletcher, owner of Baker Street Kitchen, joined Teesside University’s Help to Grow: Management programme in March 2023.

He says it has helped him “step back…look at things from an outside perspective” and “create and start implementing a new vision”.

The scheme, 90 per cent Government-funded, supports business owners with strategies for growth, customer engagement, sustainability and financial planning.

Participants complete the course with a tailored growth plan.

Simon said: “I can’t always be firefighting as a business leader. 

“Sometimes, you need to step back and look at the elements covered on this course. 

“It’s taught me to look at things from an outside perspective and not be so hands-on.

“It’s also helped me to create and start implementing a new vision for Baker Street, to help turn it into a multi-site business.”

Teesside University has so far seen around 100 business leaders attend the course, and offers two cohorts each year.

Gbemisola Ogbolu, lecturer in business at Teesside University, added: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the UK economy. 

“They drive innovation, creating jobs and contributing significantly to GDP.

“However, in a fast-evolving business landscape, the way leadership is approached in these organisations can make or break their success.

“Leadership is not just about managing, it’s about inspiring, adapting and re-imagining how to lead in the face of challenges and opportunities.”

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