ARU course is a hit with local record store owners
Chelmsford business urges fellow SMEs to enrol on Government-backed programme
Jen and Jon Smith of Chelmsford-based Intense Record Stores, who have both taken the Help to Grow course
The owners of a Chelmsford record store are encouraging fellow small business owners to sign up to the Help to Grow: Management course after it helped them fine-tune their plans for growth.
The 11th edition of the successful business support programme starts on 18 September at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, and there is still time for local businesses to enrol.
The Government-backed programme offers Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to sharpen their strategy and improve operations, connecting SME leaders from across the region with expert academics and experienced business professionals.
The programme focuses on providing practical tools that business owners can put into action immediately to improve efficiency, make better decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Topics covered include leadership and strategy, marketing and international markets, financial management and employee engagement. The course combines interactive workshops at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), networking with fellow business owners, online tuition and one-to-one mentoring.
Graduates from the programme will also join a growing community of more than 190 ARU Help to Grow alumni and a national network of more than 11,000 SME leaders, providing continuing support and shared insights.
Jon and Jen Smith, of Chelmsford-based Intense Record Stores, have both taken the course.
“As owners of Intense Records in Chelmsford, we’ve always been passionate about music, but the Help to Grow: Management course at ARU helped us think differently about growing our business. After more than 25 years in retail, it gave us the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, focus on the bigger picture and develop a clearer strategy for future growth.
“The Growth Action Plan helped us look at the business with fresh eyes, identify new opportunities and put practical ideas into action. We’d recommend the course to any ambitious SMEs looking to grow and plan for the future.”
Jon Smith of Intense Record Stores in Chelmsford“The Help to Grow programme is instrumental in equipping business owners with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable growth and innovation.
“We are delighted to bring this cohort to Chelmsford, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the regional business community and fostering a vibrant alumni network.”
Professor Mohammad Ali, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at ARUFor further information or to register for the course, please visit https://smallbusinesscharter.org/h2gmcourse/anglia-ruskin-13
The programme is 90% Government funded and ARU is committed to making the course as accessible as possible for local businesses. To discuss funding options, including funded bursaries, please contact [email protected]