University helps SMEs sharpen business skills

A North East university is set to help local businesses strengthen their leadership and drive growth.

University of Sunderland is delivering the Government-backed Help to Grow: Management Course, aimed at senior managers and business leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises. 

Spread over 12 weeks, the programme is 90 per cent Government-funded and delivered via business schools accredited with the Small Business Charter.

Designed to run alongside full-time work, the course combines 32 hours of online and face-to-face teaching, ten hours of one-to-one mentoring and access to an alumni network of local businesses. 

Up to 30 SMEs, employing between five and 249 staff, will take part in modules led by academics and expert speakers, benefiting from peer-to-peer mentoring and practical guidance to improve business performance, resilience and growth.

Dr Yvonne Dixon-Todd, head of school for business, management and tourism at the University of Sunderland, said: “We are proud of our accreditation with the Small Business Charter and delighted to support small and medium enterprises to learn and grow, which will in turn, support the economic growth within the North East. 

“With the Government committing to the continued delivery of the Help to Grow: Management Course, we look forward to increasing the business support offer from the University.”

Tim Pain, director of innovation and enterprise at the University of Sunderland, added: “We’re delighted to work with our academic colleagues to deliver this practical, hands-on leadership course which will build on our already established links with SMEs and enhance our reputation as a professions-facing institution delivering innovative programmes for the benefit of the region’s economy.”

Since its launch, over 11,000 senior leaders have participated in the Help to Grow programme, with 91 per cent reporting improved management skills and greater awareness of factors driving business productivity.

Flora Hamilton, executive director of the Small Business Charter, added: “We’re pleased to expand our network of business schools delivering the Help to Grow: Management Course in the North East of England through the University of Sunderland Business School, further supporting the many ambitious and enterprising SME leaders in the region.

“The course is proven to drive SME productivity improvements and unlock economic growth, as recognised by the Government in its continued commitment to the programme in the Small Business Plan.”

The next course starts in December 2025.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →