The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Focus on business scaling challenge
A new business programme has been launched in a bid to turbocharge the development of high-growth potential firms and deliver tangible economic returns.
The 18-month Scale-Up Scotland scheme – created by Entrepreneurial Scotland in partnership with The Hunter Foundation and Scotland Can Do – has been design to help entrepreneurs share their experiences and develop the skills they needed to successfully take their businesses to the next level.
The programme is largely delivered by entrepreneurs and focuses on cohort study and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
It has been designed so participants can continue to run their businesses while on the programme, with individuals committing to 1.5 days every eight weeks to attend a series of masterclasses throughout the country.
“We know that in comparison to other countries not enough businesses in Scotland are scaling,” said Sandy Kennedy, Entrepreneurial Scotland chief executive.
“We also know that entrepreneurs want to learn from those that have been there and done it and they are looking for practical tools they can implement into their own businesses.
“What makes Scale-up Scotland different is that it is entrepreneurially led and delivered in an exciting and dynamic way that is appealing to entrepreneurs.”
Participants on the 2018 programme represent a total of 19 businesses from sectors as diverse as digital development, biotechnology, outdoor catering equipment and timberframe home kit manufacturing.
The first masterclass of the new programme was led by Bob Keiller, the chairman of Scottish Enterprise and former CEO of Wood Group.
“Over the years I’ve discovered tools and processes that work in business and now I am able to pass that knowledge on and help other businesses find their own ‘eureka’ moment,” Mr Keiller said.
“If we can support entrepreneurs by sharing our own entrepreneurial experiences to stimulate their ambition and grow their organisations then we really will have an entrepreneurial Scotland.”