11 businesses join Teeside scale-up cohort

Eleven businesses have joined the latest cohort of a Teesside University programme which helps companies in the Tees Valley reach their full potential.

LEAP 50 is a fully-funded 8-month programme, delivered in conjunction with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which helps scale-up companies meet the challenges of growing their business. This is the second cohort of the programme, which will ultimately help at least 50 businesses with the challenges of scaling-up.

Dr Susan Laing, Dean of Teesside University Business School, said: “It’s fantastic to see another cohort of exciting businesses take part in this programme which is already proving to be a great success. Some of the speakers this year will include participants from the previous cohort who will be talking about the changes they have made to their business practices and the impact LEAP 50 has had upon their company.

“The course will make participants more effective as leaders, allowing them to take their teams with them as their businesses get bigger and better.”

Caroline Theobald CBE, chairman of FIRST, is one of the course tutors delivering sessions on leadership coaching. She said: “Being an entrepreneur can be a very lonely place, particularly if your business is growing. This is a wonderful opportunity for business leaders to gain new knowledge and support each other. The peer group element of the course is invaluable as everybody needs a support network.”

Dave Wrigley from the Yorkshire Gelato Company said: “I really believe in personal development. You can read so many books but nothing compares to hands-on learning, so when I was offered the opportunity to take part in this programme I leapt at the chance. As I move forward and the business gets bigger the programme will give me the skills to be able to manage the growth more effectively.”