GM digital and tech firms Sprint to their Growth ambitions
11 February 2019
13 companies participate in event as part of nine-month Amplify programme Digital, creative and tech businesses from across Greater Manchester recently took part in a two-day Growth Sprint to help them find new ways to grow.
Based on Google’s Design Sprint methodology, the event at Gorton Monastery focussed on embedding a culture of continual innovation and experimentation amongst entire business leadership teams.
“The Growth Sprint has proved a great way for us to tackle some of our challenges as a business quickly and immediately,” said Jaime Gee, Managing Director at Jam, one of more than 70 participating business leaders. “The momentum it has given us is invaluable
Jaime Gee, Managing Director of Jam
The Growth Sprint is part of Amplify, a nine-month growth programme from GC Business Growth Hub with partners Form. It is targeted at SMEs in Greater Manchester’s digital, creative and tech sectors that have significant potential to scale and create new products, services and jobs in the local economy.
Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth, GC Business Growth Hub, said: “The Growth Sprint has been an excellent example of trying to find new and effective ways to help businesses tackle barriers to growth. The sprint helps businesses to get their ideas moving as quickly as possible, generating momentum for the full senior leadership team and embedding a mentality of continual growth. The energy in the room was palpable, and we can’t wait to see businesses continue their journey on the programme over the coming months”.
Jonathan Courtney, CEO of AJ&Smart
The sessions were delivered by Jonathan Courtney, CEO of AJ&Smart.
The Amplify programme kicked off in October 2018 with a study trip to Copenhagen to meet and learn from world leaders in the sectors. Senior management from the participating companies will continue their journey with bespoke monthly growth challenges and also receive ongoing support from an advisor with a proven track record of scaling a business in the sector.
Currently in its first cohort, Amplify is set to run until 2021, supporting a total of 45 companies across Greater Manchester. Formal recruitment for the 2019/20 cohort will begin in spring 2019.