The Help to Grow: Management Course launched in April 2021 to help small business leaders develop more resilient, innovative, and productive businesses. Four years after the launch of the course and it is still proving to be an invaluable source of support and learning for UK small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs). 

To keep the 12-week course relevant and useful for business leaders, the curriculum is revised annually to include up-to-date learnings. The additions to the course this year build on the feedback of alumni and incorporate the work of 21 SME experts resulting in a refreshed focus on everything from productivity to AI. 

Here are the key updates: 

  • An increased focus on approaches to digital transformation and the use of AI that business leaders can implement. 

  • A greater emphasis on social business models including the benefits and characteristics of co-operatives and mutuals. 

  • A new framework for improved productivity that is based on the 5 drivers of productivity. 

  • Updated business examples that showcase business success through technology and inclusivity. This includes examples of businesses run by and for disabled people. 

  • Improved materials, that offer a better flow of content to enhance the experience of business leaders.  

Director of Aston Centre for Growth and Curriculum Director of Help to Grow: Management, Paula Whitehouse said: "It is vital that the Help to Grow: Management curriculum remains relevant for small business leaders.  That means understanding today's fast-moving business environment and the impact it has on our participants.   

“For Version 6 of the curriculum we have refreshed many of the business examples used in the webinars, so that the participants are hearing about strategies businesses have used to tackle current challenges. 

“In terms of topic areas, digital and AI transformation are embedded through more modules, now also covering aspects such as the responsible use of AI and AI cyber security threats.  Content has also been enhanced around approaches to social and environmental sustainability and productivity." 

You can find out more about the Help to Grow: Management Course and how it can help you and your business here.  

Ready to Grow?

With 60 business schools around the UK, there will be a Help to Grow: Management Course starting near you soon. Don't miss your chance to register.

Related articles

Case study
Herd team at awards

Success for digital marketing firm as new clients expand The Herd

Less than two years ago, Paul Scanlon and his brother Keiran were offering their digital marketing services to local tradespeople. Find out how they've grown internationally.

Case study
Headshot of Arwen May

Certified Confidence for MD Driving Growth

Arwen May has been a chartered quality professional in many sectors, but when she joined SCCS she found a new set of challenges. Find out how Help to Grow: Management helped.

News
21st April 2026
Modern business team discussing new ideas at the office. Business people on meeting in modern office. Colleagues smiling and talking at board room.

Engaged Leaders are Essential for Productive Businesses

Gallup surveyed 263,810 employees from across the world and found global engagement had declined to its lowest level since 2020.