Are female-centric office spaces the key to addressing gender imbalance in business?

With International Women’s Day just around the corner CEO of The Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll, has spoken out about the need for more dedicated spaces for women in business.

It’s been well reported that women are more than half as likely to take the plunge into starting up a business as men. 

The Unilever Foundry’s global study into start up diversity has shown that only 17% of start-ups are founded by women. While finder.co.uk has found that the typical business owner on Companies House in the UK is 51, British and male.

Liverpool based charity The Women’s Organisation, which is dedicated to the economic development of women, has found that there is a growing need for more office spaces in the business community which buck the trend in this male-dominated landscape.

CEO Maggie O’Carroll is a firm believer in the power of female-centric spaces, like the charity’s international centre for women in business at 54 St James Street, which offer the community and networks critical to improving women’s economic participation.

CEO of The Women's Organisation, Maggie O'Carroll

She explains: “For many women the prospect of taking their young start-up into the physical business world can be exceptionally daunting. This next step in taking on office space requires an incredible level of conviction and assurance - not to mention monetary resources. That’s why spaces like 54 St James Street are essential to creating safe and supportive networks, where women can feel empowered and access further support to succeed in business.”

“Another fundamental barrier many female-led start-ups face as they begin their journey is the fact that they are working from home. The experience of many of our service-users is that this only serves to compound a common issue for women who typically find themselves as primary caregivers. This prevents them from making a clear distinction between home life and working life, often reducing their capacity to focus on their business.”

Since opening its doors in 2011, 54 St James Street has helped to create over 1,000 new businesses and created over 2,000 new jobs in the Liverpool City Region through the work of The Women’s Organisation and the Enterprise Hub programme which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

54 St James Street is an international hub for women in business

Councillor Gary Millar, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool & Cabinet Member for Business Economy & Skills, says: “Enabling female participation in the local economy is critical to addressing the gender imbalance we see in business and that’s exactly what facilities like 54 St James Street are doing by providing the support and space needed to succeed in business. To be among a group of likeminded entrepreneurs is important to any business person to feel inspired and supported.

“Without these spaces, we risk leaving behind a pool of un-tapped female potential and talent which would otherwise be a significant contributor to driving the economy on a local and national level.”

Tenant of 54 St James Street and Director of Every Cloud Associates, Kate Morris, says: “As women, I believe that we already have a natural and shared ability to network. We are relation-seeking beings with an emotional empathy like no other. 54 St James Street offers the perfect incubation space for this to take hold and flourish.

“The peer to peer support, working alongside other passionate, female entrepreneurs who are trying to do their ‘thing’ better is a key benefit of this community. It’s hugely empowering for women to see other women lead and achieve, grow and develop. It’s like a ‘rising tide’, we bring each other on.”

Every Cloud Associates office at 54 St James Street

If you would like to find out more about the facilities available for female-led businesses at 54 St James Street and how you can become part of the community, you can visit www.54stjamesstreet.com

Lavender and Bone brings 'quirky but quality' gift shop to New Brighton

“Exquisite oddities, divine ends, beautiful bits and precious pieces” – that’s what you’ll find at New Brighton’s family run gift shop, Lavender and Bone.

An art teacher for 20 years, Esther Brooke became increasingly frustrated with working in education and aspired for a new career path. Her husband had long worked for himself and the ‘be your own boss’ lifestyle greatly appealed to her.

However, Esther had little experience in entrepreneurship: “I had no idea where or how to start, I just had a concept of what I wanted to achieve”.

After a friend recommended contacting The Women’s Organisation, Esther began working with our Business Adviser, Claire Pedersen, who helped her to refine what was just an idea and begin to turn it into a reality: “Being answerable to Claire encouraged me to get tasks – that I would have happily avoided – done. I learnt very quickly that there’s so much more to ‘selling lovely things in a lovely shop’.”

From here, Lavender and Bone was born. Based in the coastal town New Brighton, an area which has experienced drastic development in recent years, Lavender and Bone designs, creates and sources quality, quirky and fun items that make up its ‘gift emporium’.

Conveniently located opposite New Brighton station, Lavender and Bone is the perfect one-stop shop for the more delicate things in life; jewellery, blankets, crochet, ceramics, soaps, prints and more.

Just seven months into trading, Esther was diagnosed with Young Onset of Parkinson’s Disease. In such a challenging time “Having a tight support network of family and friends was essential in enabling the business to continue”. Her son took the lead in many aspects of the business which is a huge achievement and very rewarding as he lives with mild Asperger’s himself.

Having just celebrated the first birthday at Lavender and Bone they have already been planning for the future, they have set up an ecommerce and have imminent plans for expansion. It hasn’t been an easy ride and the first year included “sweat, tears and expletives but most of all there’s been fun".

Being her own boss is something Esther is valuing the most from being self-employed and calls herself “the best boss I’ve ever had.”

The local community has welcomed Lavender and Bone with open arms supporting what Esther is trying to achieve. Furthermore, the customers see the passion Esther has for the products she stocks, the attention to the detail and the mission behind the brand: “We won’t stock anything we don’t adore; that we wouldn’t wear or have in our own home. This makes us passionate and protective over our products and suppliers.”

Esther’s vision is what drove her to create Lavender and Bone and never give up, even when the challenge seemed daunting. When we asked Esther for a piece of advice for anyone else wanting to set up a business, she said: “Stay true to your vision/concept, there’s a reason why you did it.”

To find out more about Lavender and Bone head over to the website

If you’re thinking about starting a business, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk to find out how we can support you.

From Manchester to New York: 'Making You Content' Talk Business Growth

With Manchester being the fastest growing city outside London for economic growth, Excelerate Labs is supporting businesses in Greater Manchester who are looking to reach the next level. Boasting a client base ranging from New York agencies to prestigious UK universities, we spoke to Kelly Gilmour-Grassam, Founder and Director of copy-writing agency Making You Content to find out all about her business growth journey.

Making You Content team

Graduating from university in 2014 with the desire to pursue copy-writing on a self-employed basis, Kelly had to start thinking about building that career path for herself. “I’d taken on a few freelance clients alongside my studies and realised that I was totally uninspired by graduate jobs. There weren’t many options presented by traditional paths, so I took my freelancing full time while I decided what to do next. I soon realised I was making the same amount from home as I would in a grad job, so dropped the search and put my focus on growing my own business.”

Choosing a name, investing in a logo and getting a website made, Making You Content was officially born. With the North West having no shortage of marketing agencies, we asked what made them stand out from the competition. “We focus purely on the written word. We bridge a gap between freelance copywriters and full-service marketing providers, helping brands identify their voice and grow through effective communication”

Making You Content is approaching it’s 5th birthday, a significant milestone for a business that started from a desktop computer in a bedroom. Now securing an eight-person strong team, you can now find them based in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter with plans to grow further over the next 12 months. The growing business is just another thing to add to Kelly’s list of achievements with her being named as UK’s Young Freelancer of the year in 2015 by IPSE “This was a real launchpad for the business. It really raised my profile and gave me the confidence and credibility to push Making You Content forward”

Kelly spoke about the support they had received through the Excelerate Labs Programme. “I’ve been working with Mike, one of The Women’s Organisations Senior Business Advisers, on my business and growth plans over the past few months. It’s really useful talking through your challenges and opportunities with someone who has seen the same issues in countless other businesses and offer objective advice, support and signposting to point you in the right direction”

Finding the encouragement to build her business and generate new ideas, Kelly grew up in Yorkshire taking inspiration from her Grandad’s true honest graft and the 6 months she spent freelancing in South America, exploring new places and widening her horizons as a writer. 

Reflecting on her journey into business, Kelly has learned a thing or two about establishing her brand identity along the way: “When I started hiring, I tried to mould employees in my image, but quickly realised that having a variety of personalities who approach things in different ways is actually great for business. People buy people; if someone doesn’t ‘get’ me, they might really buy into someone else on the team. This has also helped us evolve the business from ‘Kelly copywriter’ to Making You Content as a brand people know and trust.”

So, what would Kelly’s key advice be for someone looking to grow a business? “Making You Content wouldn’t be where it is today without the amazing team I have around me. Investing my time and faith in people joining the business has definitely been key to its success. It’s hard to delegate in the early days – and often easier to just do it yourself – but in the long run you’ll reap the rewards of taking a patient approach to training up others around you.”

And to anyone thinking about setting up business in Manchester? “The North West is an exciting place to be at the moment. Manchester is evolving rapidly and gaining attention on a global scale. I’ve gained lots of inspiration from the business leaders around me. The great thing about this city is everyone makes time for each other. You never have to look far for role models you can relate to.” 

Before letting her go, we asked Kelly for any last words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business "I was very fortunate to start my business right at the beginning of my career, which has allowed me to dedicate all of my focus to making it a success. That’s why I really encourage young people interested in business to give it a go before they look to employment. Worst case scenario, they have a good story to tell in future job interviews".

You can learn more about our Making You Content's services and even copywriting itself over on the website and blog www.makingyoucontent.com, Kelly is open to a call or coffee with people interested in marketing and business as a whole. Drop her an email on kelly@makingyoucontent.com

Keep an eye out for lots more news from Making You Content over the coming months as they celebrate their fifth birthday! You can follow what they are up on LinkedIn and Twitter, or sign up to the newsletter for monthly updates from the team.

If you would like to benefit from the support received under the Excelerate Labs programme then please contact: exceleratelabs@thewo.org.uk.

How to know when you are ready to take on staff for the first time

Making the leap from a sole trader to building up a workforce can be the most critical stage for any business and a very daunting task. The cost, time and practicalities involved in taking the leap and expanding can be a sticking point for young businesses. 

We have rounded up the top 5 indicators which may mean you are ready to take this leap and hire your first member of staff.

1.      You have more business than you can handle and are turning down work.

Perhaps the most obvious indicator that growth is warranted is that you can’t meet demand. Obviously, you shouldn't hire until you have adequate work for another person to handle. If you are turning down a lot of work because you can’t physically handle it then this could be a sign you need to hire someone to help meet the demand.

2.      You have identified a new revenue stream.

You can hire someone to help you with your existing work demands but you can also hire someone to help with whole new types of work. If you see a gap in the market or a new possible revenue stream then you could hire someone to help you with this, the right employee can truly make the difference in taking your business to the next level.

3.      You have a plan for growth.

It’s important to have both short- and long-term goals, but you also need to map out a strategy for getting there. If you plan to grow which will mean you can’t handle the workload by yourself then hiring a staff member could make the progression smoother and more successful.

4.      Your industry is growing.

Take a look at your industry: is the market saturated? Or are you only scratching the surface of the customer base you could reach? Analyse your competitors and possible target markets-If you have minimal competition and a large untapped customer base, then you have better odds for successful growth which can mean that you need staff to help you.

5.      You are meeting your goals.

As a business you need to be setting yourself goals and aiming to reach those milestones you set. Make sure you asses your progress continuously to make sure you are on the right track to meet those goals. If you are, and ahead of schedule, then maybe you can speed up your plans and to help with take could employee someone to help.

If those indications are taking place in your business, then here is the next step as suggested by our senior business advisor here at The Women’s Organisation, Claire Pedersen. Take time to analyse if you are definitely ready to hire your first staff member by completing a time and motion study.

Every day for a few weeks, make a note of everything you do and how long those tasks take. Then analyse these tasks and see if they are things you need to be doing eg., networking or delivery of a service. These tasks should then be split into two lists. First, look at the tasks and see if there are duplications, are there tasks being done 3 times a week when you could just do them once? This is to find out if you are maximising your time in the most efficient way. On the second list look at what jobs are on that list and what job roles this could form, is there enough tasks on that list to warrant a full time member of staff or should you just employ freelancers or no one at all?

If you’d like some help with taking on staff for the first time, get in touch with Enterprise Hub to find out more about the business growth programme which can help you understand the practicalities. Email enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or ring us on 0151 706 8113.

Your Official Guide to International Women’s Day 2019 ♀ 💪

Here at The Women’s Organisation one of our favorite days of the year is just around the corner, International Women’s Day!

Friday the 8th of March is the day, make room in your diary.

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by all women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

This year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter because if you better the balance, you better the world as balance drives a better working world for all.

The future is exciting, lets aim to build a gender-balanced world where everyone can make a difference. We all have a part to play - all the time, everywhere. From individuals to communities, we are entering a new and exciting time in history where people can expect balance. We need to be noticing its absence and celebrating its presence.

How will you celebrate women's achievements on Friday March 8, while calling for a more gender-balanced world?

If you need some ideas here are some amazing events going on in and around the city which are celebrating International Women’s Day.

Morning Events

Business Club- “Women Can”

10am-12pm, 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB

Joining us are two inspirational women who have broken glass ceilings and made their way to the top. Hear their journey and their tips on growing your business and be inspired as we explore the International Women's Day theme for this year #BalanceforBetter.

The first panelist is Chief Executive of Royal Albert Dock Liverpool Sue Grindrod, who is responsible for the strategic development and management of this iconic waterfront destination and is leading its next phase of evolution. The second panelist is Marnie Millard who is Group Chief Executive for Nichols PLC. She joined the company in 2012 and was appointed to her current role in May 2013. Marnie was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to International Trade and Businesses in North West England.

This event is in partnership with NatWest.

All Day Events

The Female Gaze: Women Depicting Women, dot-art.

10am-6pm, 14 Queen Avenue, Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TX

The new exhibition at dot-art showcases the work of three women artists, Liz Jeary, Mia Cathcart and Rebecca Atherton. Each artist depicts women in their work, capturing and exploring identity and the complex representations of women in art through diverse art forms.

This exhibition starts on Friday 8th March and runs until Saturday 4th May. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Evening Events

Petticoat Rebellion? Women and Resistance to Slavery

6-7pm, Central Library, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW

They are celebrating International Women's Day by remembering women's resistance to plantation slavery. If resistance to slavery in general was concealed by slaveholders, the resistance of women was underplayed and trivialised. This lecture puts women's resistance at the heart of the fight for freedom and tells the story of Nanny of the Maroons, Nanny Grig, Harriet Jacobs, Harriet Tubman and others whose often individual acts of resistance have gone unrecorded.

Sisbis presents: International Women's Day

6pm - til late, 24 Kitchen St, Baltic Triangle, Liverpool L1 0AN

Liverpool women have been busy: making art, making music and making noise about things they care about. To celebrate, SisBis presents a social for creative and active women in Liverpool. Expect live music, food and things-to-do run by the many exciting female and queer creative collectives from across the city.

An evening with Inspirational Women

5-8pm, Liverpool Hope University, Creative Campus, Shaw Street , Liverpool, L6 1HL

Celebrate International Women’s Day with a panel of inspirational women. They will be holding a Q&A session with women working in areas such as; Art, Education, Business and Science. The event will also provide a series of short talks showing the lived experiences of the women from this array of areas, highlighting the barriers challenged within their progression.

The panel includes-

Zara Khalique – Founder of Keep It Bright’, a positivity movement and lifestyle brand with customers such as Arianna Grande and Miley Cyrus.

Dr Ella Houston – Lecuruer in Disability and Education, focusing in the area of Feminism and Disability Studies.

Lauren Tucker – Dance artist and founder of Tuck Shop Dance Theatre.

Dr Nicola Jones - BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA CPsychol – Lecturer in Psychology.

Meet Our Intern: Cerys Evans

Cerys Evans has joined our team as an Intern whilst studying Event Management at John Moores University to learn the ins and outs of all things marketing! She's brought a bundle of energy to our office and we're delighted to have her here.

Take a read of Cerys' blog to find out more about her ..

What’s your full name and where are you from?

Hi, I am Cerys Evans and I am originally from a tiny village called Cockshutt near Shrewsbury but currently living in Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I am currently a second-year student at LJMU studying Events Management and while looking for internships opportunities I found the Women’s Organisation. I did some research online about the background of the Women’s Organisation and after reading their website I knew that their mission and beliefs aligned with my own so therefore would be a team and company I would love to be a part of. I applied online, then had an interview with Jo and Lucy and luckily found out the next day I got the job.

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

Before moving to Liverpool for University in 2017 I worked in my local pub and restaurant, then I volunteered myself to run their social media and website which is where I found my passion for digital marketing. When coming to Liverpool I spent my first year working at University Events and now work at Rudy’s Pizzeria while interning here too- I like to be busy!

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The sheer amount of people who reach out and ask for help from the organisation, the number of people who ring up daily is incredible. The organisation is obviously vitally needed in the community and it’s amazing to see its impact it has on local women and entrepreneurs.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The best thing is how everyone who works for the Women’s Organisation is so supportive and positive. Every single member of the team is working together to make such a huge difference and it’s very rewarding to feel like you are a part of that. Nothing is ever too much hassle or hard work, everyone just wants to help women reach their potential. I feel very empowered whenever I leave and that’s an amazing feeling.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

I know everyone’s said it, but no two days are the same!

My role contains a lot of content creation like blog posts, Instagram posts and tweets so I’m always busy doing that. I love finding new empowering women quotes to post on our twitter and gain a lot of inspiration for our social media from hashtags online.

My long-term project is to promote our book called Twenty-One which celebrates twenty-one inspiring women who have made a huge impact in and around Liverpool, so I am always creating social media content for that. I also spend time taking pictures of local art and buildings to put on our social media channels which I really enjoy.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

I am undergoing a volunteering expedition in June for 5 weeks to Fiji where I will be aiming to help disadvantaged youth to overcome poverty issues and achieve holistic health. I will be doing this by improving education, sports development, infrastructure assistance and health promotion. I am nervous but excited, however I know it will be an amazing and rewarding experience.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

When I am not working, I should be doing University work but quite often instead I go out for food or will be watching documentaries with my flatmates! I love going home to the countryside too and being on my family farm, which is a big difference from living in Liverpool city centre.

Meet the Team: Bethan McShane

A new face has joined us on the front desk of 54 St James Street. If you’ve popped by you may have had the pleasure of meeting our lovely Bethan! Bethan has been with us for three months now, so it’s time you get to know her as well as we do. 

From joining the feminism society, working at a psychiatric unit and all the while maintaining an avid love for all things Disney, say hello to Bethan ..

What’s your full name and where are you from?

My name is Bethan McShane and I’m from Liverpool.

Tell me how you first found out about The Women’s Organisation and become part of our team?

I went to Bangor University and became involved in their feminism society, which really ignited my passion for equal rights and in supporting and lifting others, as opposed to tearing them down. After graduating and moving back home to Liverpool, I was keen to find more opportunities and organisations similar to what Bangor offered so that I could continue standing up for what I believed in. The Women’s Organisation was one of my discoveries and is now, amazingly, also my place of work!

What kind of things have you done prior to coming to The Women’s Organisation?

Before starting at The Women’s Organisation, I studied Philosophy and Religion at Bangor University and graduated with a First. Shortly after this, I started employment at a Forensic Psychiatric Unit which was very interesting and rewarding and taught me a lot.

What has surprised you about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The huge amount of people the organisation helps and the difference that is has on their lives. Each member of the team plays such a significant role in providing the service that we do and it’s lovely being able to call myself a part of that.

What’s the best thing about working at The Women’s Organisation?

The wonderful people I get to call my colleagues. They have all been so incredibly welcoming and helpful and have shown so much kindness to me. I really feel part of the team.

Could you describe one of your typical workdays?

On a typical day, I’ll check and respond to any telephone or email enquiries and be at hand to assist with any face-to-face visits. I’ll help to set up any rooms for external bookings we may have and prepare the resources for the courses that we offer, meaning I can often be found scanning, filing and printing! I also look after any post that comes in. Additionally, I’m here to help my colleagues if they need a spare set of hands.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

I’m a huge Disney fan even though I’m nearly 25 ..

What do you do when you aren’t working? 

I love travelling different countries when I can afford to and creating memories with my nearest and dearest. I also enjoy being creative, even if I’m not necessarily the best at it! 

Catherine Brings L19 Chiropody to Garston Village 👍

Reaching a time in life when she wanted flexibility to fit her family life, Catherine Williams, a qualified podiatrist who had been working for 10 years with the NHS, rose to the challenge and opened her own podiatry/chiropody clinic business.

L19 Chiropody in Garston Village is a spacious ground floor shop fronted premise and specialises in routine and aesthetic podiatry treatments, such as; nail care, corns, foot health education, corns callous, treatment and diabetic foot screening. All treatments are carried out by Catherine who holds a BSc (hons) in Podiatry, is registered with the Health & Care Professional council and is a Member of the College of Podiatry.

Since opening in March 2018, Catherine’s clinic has proved popular with local people and is busy treating clients of all ages. It is the only Chiropodist in its location in Garston Village which has a close knit very active business community where everyone ardently supports one another to succeed.

When Catherine had the idea of starting up her business, she got in touch with ‘Enterprise Hub’, which is the Liverpool City Region’s project to help people start up businesses. She was put in touch with Janine Hyland, a Senior Business Adviser at the Women’s Organisation, who provided the know-how of how to go about setting up a business, as well as ongoing support around marketing, creating a business plan and access to training and events.

Catherine said: "I wouldn’t have had the courage and motivation to start up, also its good to know that I’m a new business, I can still access one to one support from Janine as well as attend workshops and join the Business Club."

For more information on L19 Chiropody check out the website, or call Catherine on 07597 055 775

If you’re thinking about starting a business, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk to find out how we can support you.

#WorkOnYourWellbeing: Tips for a happier and healthier life

The following blog was written by our Intern from Liverpool John Moores University, Cerys Evans.

Good health is more than physical health – it’s mental health. Wellbeing describes the state of being comfortable, happy or healthy. But your wellbeing is dynamic and can quickly change impacting our everyday lives. When your mental health is not how you would like it to be, when you feel stressed, overwhelmed or unable to cope, it can impact all aspects of your life.

So, this month, we’re asking women everywhere to #WorkOnYourWellbeing to feel more positive, happier and able to get the most from your life.

Here are some simple steps to better mental wellbeing.

The following steps have been researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation.

Connect - Spend time developing relationships with the people around you like friends, family and colleagues.

Be active - Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

Learn - learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence.

Take notice - be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Give - be it the smallest or largest act, giving can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Here at the Women’s Organisation our personal development programmes give women the chance to take time out for themselves and learn how to be the best version of themselves. With the pressures and stress that come with today’s society we are encouraging women to come along to our two new courses focusing on improving your mental wellbeing.

Step Beyond Stress

A one-day course in partnership with Citizens Advice designed to help the women of Liverpool improve their management of stress and identify coping strategies to support this. Mental Health Foundation claims that almost three quarters of people have at some point felt so stressed that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope – Step Beyond Stress seeks to help women identify coping strategies and better manage feelings of stress.

Motivate Your Mind

A one-day course in partnership with Citizens Advice enabling women to learn how to reduce stress by building positive think strategies, improve your ability to deal with difficult situations and therefore become a calmer and more resilient person.

These courses are open to women living in the Liverpool City Council area who are suffering from stress or living with a disability or health condition. To find out more, or enquire about booking onto either of these courses, please contact us on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk.

Would you like to be a better leader and grow your business?

Do you want to develop leadership skills for your business? University of Liverpool are looking for individuals to take part in their GROWTH CATALYST programme to improve their skills & confidence.

The University of Liverpool has secured funding to deliver an Innovative business growth programme in the Liverpool City Region called Growth Catalyst.

Growth Catalyst is a six month leadership development programme, which includes business coaching, a series of masterclass talks, skills workshops, Action Learning and a business exchange visit, all underpinned by a network of likeminded individuals, keen to grow their businesses in an atmosphere of mutual support and trust.

Developed by experts in the field of leadership and management, Growth Catalyst employs an integrated delivery model, aimed at improving the performance of the business and the personal development and confidence of the owner/manager.

Elements include:

• 2 Day Leadership Retreat - Improve your leadership skills and set business development goals.
• 6 Hours of Business Coaching  - Help define your growth strategy 
• Action Learning - Progress ideas for new products and services through a Non-executive board of likeminded peers.
• A Series of 7 Master Classes with leading experts in marketing, leadership, strategy and growth.
• A Business Exchange - Take part in exchange visits to another business on the programme.

Benefits of the programme include:

• Proven improvements in the productivity and profitability of the business.
• Tools and Techniques to help you work ON the business rather than IN it.
• Help with the development of new products and services.
• Help to plan and execute a strategy for growth.
• A network of likeminded individuals that can help you grow your business.
• Improved leadership abilities and greater confidence.

For more information on how you can apply for a place on this EU funded programme, starting on the 9th May 2019. please contact Richard Holloway:

Or Visit the website: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/management/for-business/growth-catalyst/about/