Businesses who took part in two cohorts of Two Zero’s Women Scaling Up have since created a combined 56 jobs and increased turnover by a total of £14.1m, according to independent analysis.
The Women Scaling Up programme was delivered by Lancashire business growth consultancy Role. It was two thirds funded by Lancashire County Council through Two Zero and ran over the course of two cohorts: the first taking place over six months from September 2022 and the second from September 2023.
The programme focused on developing the strategy and mindset of the women involved to prepare them to scale a business. It included masterclasses and peer learning to develop participants’ knowledge of key business issues, as well as a residential retreat and outdoor experiential day to improve resilience and communication.
In addition to the jobs and turnover growth of participating businesses, analysis conducted by Lancashire County Council on the success of the programme shows participants created additional £505 of revenue for every £1 spent by Lancashire County Council.
50 per cent of businesses in cohort one and 64 per cent in cohort two also reported having introduced new products by the time they completed the programme, a total of 19 new products or services among participating businesses.
Female leaders who took part in Women Scaling Up included Elizabeth Porter, managing director at Chorley based storage and distribution business Brysdales; Ceri Dixon, partner at accountancy and business advisory firm PM+M, and Chantelle Brennand, commercial director at Poulton-based Innovative Food Ingredients.
Chantelle said: “Being part of the Women Scaling Up programme has given me real confidence in my role in business. It is great to be part of a group of likeminded women who support each other, and the guidance offered by Role has been invaluable.”
County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “Figures show that nationally, scaleups are less than 0.5 per cent of the total population of SMEs but contribute around 60 per cent of SME turnover.
“That’s why Lancashire County Council provides specific support to help our county’s scaleups reach their potential – so they can continue to create skilled jobs and wealth.
“The analysis shows the guidance provided through our Two Zero programmes to businesses on the Women Scaling Up programme, as well as the Scaleup Leaders Network, is already reaping the rewards. There are some real, inspiring success stories and I’m looking forward to following the participating companies’ success as they continue to grow.”
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