In late September, beneath the historic railway arches of Manchester Gin, 25 founders from across Greater Manchester came together to celebrate the official launch of the ASCEND Scale Up programme, hosted by GM Business Growth Hub. These founders, representing a diverse range of high-growth businesses, all shared a common goal: to scale their companies rapidly and achieve their ambitions.

Manchester’s legacy and ASCEND’s vision

Manchester, with its rich industrial history, vibrant culture, and growing tech scene, has become a thriving ecosystem for startups and scale-ups alike. Hosting nearly 2,000 high-growth companies, the city has solidified its position as one of the UK’s leading startup hubs. ASCEND Scale Up is the latest flagship programme from GM Business Growth Hub, especially designed to support the acceleration of high-growth businesses in the region.

Over the next six months, these company founders will receive bespoke support through workshops, masterclasses, and tailored guidance designed to help them overcome the unique challenges of scaling. As Kellie Noon, ASCEND’s Network Manager, explains:

"The programme is designed to support businesses from Greater Manchester who’ve shown excellent traction and growth but need a little extra help getting to the next level. We’re working hand-in-hand with the founders to make sure they’re in the best position possible to scale. With our partnership with KPMG, we’ve been able to bring in top-tier expertise from both the North West and London to give founders the insights they need to overcome the challenges of scaling."

Building a strong foundation for growth

One of the cohort participants, Hassan Mushaid from The Creative Composite, expressed his enthusiasm for the ASCEND programme:

“Our company has experienced rapid growth over the past 18 months, and we’re looking forward to understanding how to better manage the scaling process. ASCEND will help us establish a solid foundation for further growth and avoid common pitfalls along the way.”

For many, ASCEND offers not only practical business insights but also the chance to forge meaningful connections. The mix of businesses across various sectors creates a unique environment for idea exchange and problem-solving.

Facing uncertainty head-on

Felix Robinson from Pet Trust UK joined ASCEND for the chance to navigate uncharted territory. As an early-stage business, Felix understands the potential and risks of scaling quickly:

"We applied because we’re uncertain what scaling looks like, and being pre-revenue, the idea of scaling within six months of launching is more daunting than most. Knowing we can put the right structure in place now is key to avoiding pitfalls later. Being around like-minded people at different stages of their business, all facing different challenges but with the same growth mindset, is priceless."

Finding clarity and focus

For Nadine Merabi, founder of the luxury fashion brand Nadine Merabi, the ASCEND programme is a chance to step away from the daily hustle of running her business and gain fresh perspectives:

“It’s difficult to strategize when you’re in the office being pulled in every direction. ASCEND offers me the time to step back, get clarity, and focus on where we’re heading. The moment you think you know it all is the moment your business stops growing. I’m here to keep learning and to network with other founders."

Inspiration and collaboration

ASCEND also fosters a sense of community among participants, with founders learning from each other’s experiences. Jesse Liu, founder of 30seconds Group, shared his excitement:

“Talking with other founders was really inspiring. Hearing about their innovative business ideas and feeling their passion was motivating. It pushes you to think bigger and go further.”

ASCEND's focus on collaboration ensures that no founder is scaling alone. With expert mentors and the collective experience of the cohort, each business will be guided to not only accelerate their growth but also overcome the barriers to executing their strategies.

What’s next?

Over the coming months, ASCEND will immerse participants in hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities with industry experts, investors, and business leaders. The programme is also offering an exciting opportunity for founders to attend the Web Summit in Lisbon this November – the largest tech conferences in the world – where they will connect with global thought leaders and potential investors.

Kellie Noon sums up the impact of the programme:

"The connections and networks you build through this programme will be hugely important for the future of your business. We’re already seeing lightbulb moments from our founders, as they realise changes they need to make and start taking action."

With the support from GM Business Growth Hub, KPMG, and the insights of seasoned mentors, these 25 businesses are poised to scale to new heights. The ASCEND cohort has only just begun, stay tuned as they continue to break new ground and share their successes along the way.

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Springboarding to the next level of business with ASCEND