The Small Business Charter (SBC) has responded to the Government's Small Business Plan, which confirms the continuation of the Help to Grow: Management course. To date, the course has enrolled 11,850 businesses through more than 60 business schools in every region and nation of the UK, significantly improving management and leadership capability amongst participants.
Byron Dixon OBE, Chair, Small Business Charter and Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh said:
“We welcome the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan. It is a clear signal of support for the small business community who are the backbone of our economy.
“We are particularly pleased to see the Government’s plan to continue the Help to Grow: Management Course delivered by SBC-accredited business schools. There is solid evidence that the programme drives meaningful improvements in SME growth and productivity, and its continuation confirms its success.
“Our business schools remain ready to play their part. Their contribution to SME development is being recognised, and we were proud to contribute to the Government’s Small Business Plan. We look forward to working closely with the Department for Business and Trade to help unlock further economic growth and productivity across the UK.”
Ref: Backing your business: our plan for small and medium sized businesses - GOV.UK 31/7/25
Background
Launched in July 2021, Help to Grow: Management is a course for SME businesses that runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 1-to-1 mentoring and peer networking. It is delivered by SBC accredited business schools. Its mission is to increase economic growth and productivity through improved management and leadership practice.
The programme has enrolled 11,850 business leaders through 60+ business schools in every region and nation of the UK.
There are currently 9,675 firms in the Help to Grow: Management Alumni Network, with ongoing access to support from accredited business schools, local events, national conferences and online content.
The latest DBT and IPSOS evaluation of the course found that participants report significant improvements in their management and leadership capability:
91% reported increased awareness of factors that drive business productivity and growth
91% reported improved leadership and management skill
87% reported improved understanding of employee engagement
74% reported increased resilience
62% reported increased sales
Following the success of the Help to Grow: Management Course, the Department of Business and Trade launched a shorter, online introductory course called Help to Grow: Management Essentials. This self-guided, 2-hour, online course is free to access and consists of a series of bite-sized videos and online resources that participants can move through at their own pace.
Find out more at: About the Help to Grow: Management Course | Small Business Charter