Government leaders learn how Help to Grow: Management is transforming SMEs
Two senior government representatives visited London South Bank University (LSBU) to see first-hand how the Help to Grow: Management Course is helping London SMEs develop stronger leadership, sharpen their strategic focus and unlock sustainable growth.
Lord Leong CBE, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, met Help to Grow: Management alumni and members of the LSBU delivery team to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the UK's SME community. During the roundtable discussion, Lord Leong heard from participants about the difference the course has made to their businesses and leadership journeys.
Reflecting on his own experience as an entrepreneur, Lord Leong said: "I remember when I first started my business, going back 40-odd years ago. I wish there was a Help to Grow: Management Course then. I probably would have avoided some mistakes that I made along the journey."
He also highlighted the importance of connection and support for business leaders: "Talent is everywhere. It doesn't matter your background. However, running your own business is a very lonely process, so having a network of people close to you that you can bounce ideas off is fantastic. The access to practical learning, mentoring and peer support that Help to Grow: Management Course provides is vital. We need partners like our business schools to support the companies that need it to unlock their growth."
"The access to practical learning, mentoring and peer support that Help to Grow: Management Course provides is vital. We need partners like our business schools to support the companies that need it to unlock their growth." - Lord Leong CBE, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise
The ministerial engagement extended beyond the roundtable discussions. Sarah Tyrell, Deputy Director for Small Business Support at the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade, joined a live Help to Grow: Management teaching session at LSBU, providing her with the perfect opportunity to observe the programme in action and engage directly with participants.
By attending an active module, Sarah saw how the programme combines practical management learning, facilitated peer discussion and real-world business challenges to create immediate value for SME leaders. The visit offered a unique insight into the learning environment experienced by participants and the ways in which business owners are applying new ideas and approaches to their own organisations.
The visits highlighted the growing impact of Help to Grow: Management at LSBU, which has supported hundreds of business leaders since the programme launched in 2021. Designed specifically for SME senior leaders, the 12-week programme helps participants strengthen leadership capability, improve productivity and develop plans for long-term growth.
Among those sharing their experiences was Charlie Gardner, Strategy Director at Caroline Gardner, who completed the course at LSBU in 2024.
Charlie said: "The programme brought real clarity as all the issues were laid out on the table and we set out a 10-year vision around our growth and succession planning. We still have that vision and everything we try to do as a business is guided by that trajectory."
"I can confidently say this is the best training course I've ever been on in terms of its impact on me as an individual and on the business." - Peter Watts, Help to Grow: Management alumnus
Fellow alumnus Peter Watts, founder of Watts Sustainability, completed the programme in 2025 and described the lasting impact it has had on both him and his business.
Peter said: "I can confidently say this is the best training course I've ever been on in terms of its impact on me as an individual and on the business. I studied environmental strategy and am a chartered environmentalist, rather than a business professional, so this course really helped fill in the gaps. My mentor has also been the best I've ever worked with, working with us to this day."
Peter also credits the programme with helping him strengthen business planning, leadership and operational performance, while providing access to a valuable network of fellow SME leaders facing similar challenges.
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Lord Leong to LSBU Business School and hearing from alumni like Charlie and Peter shows the real difference Help to Grow: Management makes to businesses and the people who run them. Small Business Charter-accredited business schools like LSBU are doing a terrific job of supporting their local business communities to help drive growth in every postcode. I'd like to thank the fantastic team at LSBU for sharing their expertise and experience with us all at this event."
The programme is 90% funded by the UK government and offers practical leadership development, one-to-one mentoring, expert business support and access to a powerful peer network. For business owners and senior leaders looking to step back from day-to-day operations, think more strategically and accelerate growth, Help to Grow: Management provides a proven framework for turning ambition into action.
Find out more or apply for the next Help to Grow: Management course at LSBU.