Two members of Quinns Training Services successfully completed the Help 2 Grow course at Cardiff University

At Quinns Training Services, we’re always looking for ways to grow and improve—not only as a company but as individuals too. Recently, two of our senior managers, Heather (CEO and Director) and Charlotte (Head of Sales and Marketing), had the pleasure of attending the Help to Grow: Management course. Both of them participated in separate cohorts of this fantastic programme, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and the insights they’ve gained.

What is the Help to Grow: Management Course?

The Help to Grow: Management course is a 12-week programme designed to support senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK. The programme aims to help businesses boost performance, resilience, and long-term growth—key goals for any ambitious organisation. And the best part? It is 90% subsidised by the UK Government, with the entire programme costing just £750 (which works out to less than £65 per week for a comprehensive, high-quality course).

The course includes a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, delivered by industry experts at Cardiff Business School, the world’s first public value business school. It offers practical training in key areas like strategy, leadership, innovation, financial management, and digital transformation—exactly what any business leader needs to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Heather and Charlotte’s Journey

Both Heather and Charlotte had the opportunity to join separate cohorts of the programme, each benefiting from the tailored support and networking opportunities the course offers. They found it to be an invaluable experience that not only deepened their understanding of key management concepts but also allowed them to connect with other local business leaders and exchange ideas.

Through peer networking sessions, they were able to share experiences with other SME leaders, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions together. This collaborative aspect of the programme was especially valuable, as it helped them gain fresh perspectives from people in similar positions within different industries.

”It was an incredible experience and one I’d do a million times over” – Charlotte Evans

Above: Heather Pippin – CEO & Director of Quinns Training Services (Left) and Charlotte Evans – Head of Sales and Marketing (Right)

Personal Mentoring and Support

One of the most beneficial elements of the course was the 10 hours of free mentoring provided to each participant. Heather and Charlotte had the chance to work with experienced business mentors who helped them refine their business growth strategies and develop actionable plans for Quinns Training Services. The one-to-one support was tailored to their individual business goals, making it an incredibly effective and insightful resource.

”It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off someone who gets it” – Heather Pippin

Key Takeaways from the Course

The Help to Grow course provided a wealth of knowledge that Heather and Charlotte are already putting into practice here at Quinns Training Services. Some of the key areas covered in the programme include:

• Strategy and Innovation: They learned how to develop effective strategies and innovate in order to stay competitive.
• Leadership for High Performance: Strengthening leadership skills was a key focus, allowing them to inspire and lead their teams more effectively.
• Winning New Markets and Digital Transformation: Both Heather and Charlotte walked away with strategies to attract new clients and enhance our digital capabilities.
• Building Vision and Brand: They developed a clearer vision for Quinns Training and a stronger understanding of how to build and manage our brand.
• Financial Management: Understanding how to manage finances better was a big plus, especially for long-term sustainability.

Networking and Community Support

An unexpected highlight of the programme was the opportunity to network with other local businesses in the area. It was inspiring to hear from others who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities, and the sense of community and shared knowledge was incredibly valuable.

Both Heather and Charlotte were able to lend their support and ideas to others while also gaining fresh insights that will help Quinns Training Services continue to grow and evolve.

Why You Should Consider the Help to Grow: Management Course

As business leaders, Heather and Charlotte both believe this programme is a game-changer for any SME that’s looking to take their business to the next level. The course provided them with the tools to sharpen their management and strategic capabilities, improve employee engagement, and build resilience to future economic challenges.

Whether you’re looking to improve your financial management, lead high-performance teams, or embrace digital transformation, the Help to Grow course is a fantastic opportunity for senior managers looking to grow their businesses—and with 90% of the cost covered by the government, it’s an offer that’s too good to miss.

For more information on the course and how you can apply, visit the official Help to Grow website.

In Conclusion

Heather and Charlotte’s experience with the Help to Grow: Management course has been transformative, and it’s something we highly recommend to any senior manager in an SME. They’re both excited to apply everything they’ve learned to enhance the future growth of Quinns Training Services and continue developing their leadership skills.

We are proud to invest in personal development for our team, and we can’t wait to see how the skills gained from this programme will shape our company’s future.