Be-the-business

To help our members navigate a way through this challenging year, ADS have engaged with Be the Business who are providing fully-funded mentoring from successful business leaders to SME decision -makers. As the programme is Government funded by BEIS (Business, Energy, Innovation and Strategy), there is no cost to mentees.

Mentoring will focus on each individual and their business needs and can cover a range of issues including scenario planning, finance, HR and staffing, supply chain and change / transformation management.

Mentors give their time and support for FREE and include experts from leading organisations like BAE Systems, Siemens, CISCO, GSK, KPMG, Accenture, Lloyds Bank, BT, The John Lewis, Partnership, and Amazon. Currently we have a large number of experienced senior managers from BAE Systems who are ready to act as mentors to support businesses like yours.

Be the Business work with businesses that aspire to grow, or where we can help safeguard jobs. They do not normally work with sole traders.

The Growth Company are the national partner for Be the Business, working with them collaboratively to deliver this key mentoring for Growth programme. 

In a nutshell Be the Business can provide your business:

  • Tailored, one-to-one support from a senior exec in a leading firm
  • Your own mentor carefully matched with your specific needs and objectives

No book, training course or webinar can give you the same benefits:

  • A fresh perspective on your challenges and opportunities
  • A neutral sounding board to talk through your own ideas
  • Greater confidence in tough decisions you need to make
  • A safe space to share for your own worries and concerns
  • Steering you towards solutions not telling you what to do

Sound interesting? Get in touch now via mentoring@growthco.uk,or visit bethebusiness.com

Further information and useful links

“What is Be the Business?”

Case study: An insight into a mentoring for Growth programme relationship

FAQs for Mentees and Mentors

What SME decision-makers are saying about our mentoring support:

“You’re getting successful people guiding you for free.” Jake Lavelle – JPL

“I’d recommend this programme to any SME.” Danny McKeever – The Site Supply Company

“Being a leader in any business can be an isolating place. I decided that I wanted someone that I can use as a soundboard but also to help keep me focused, whilst introducing new ideas and processes.” Rich Powell – Kuckoo Brands

“Mentoring for Growth has given my business access to high-quality expertise that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Having an independent, emotionally-detached view of what is happening helps you to drill down on the important stuff.” Alec Anderson – Managing Director, Koolmill

“Everyone should have a mentor, sometimes you just need a sounding board. Mentors help make decisions and question you.” Peter Connor – Director, Pure Fabs

“This is an excellent programme and we’re really pleased to be a part of the pilot and national roll-out – this is helping our business a great deal” Matt and Joe Carr – Commercial Director and Managing Director, Carrs Pasties

“I wanted a mentor who was going to help me develop personally, as well as improve business performance and efficiency. My mentor has given me the self-confidence and belief to think I’m doing the right things.” Chris Waterfield, Programme Manager, Waterfields

“I was partnered with a great mentor and it was so easy to open up. As the person at the top it can be lonely and you’re often making a lot of decisions – so having a way to open up and speak about them is really valuable.” Mick McGowan – Managing Director, Romix