A leading Glasgow-based business consultancy has officially launched into Manchester, marking its first major expansion outside of Scotland. Its inaugural activity in the city will see Inspirent, a well-established not-for-profit, launch its Business Growth Club this month.

The Inspirent Business Growth Clubs are small, peer-to-peer support groups for established business owners. These groups will see up to 12 local ambitious business owners come together for confidential monthly meetings. The clubs help members to scale more profitable businesses through peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and tailored support. Led by a highly experienced Business Growth Partner, each club enables members to share experiences, tackle problems, get fresh insights from guest speakers and hone their skills, empowering them to reach their full potential as business owners.

Liz McCutcheon, CEO at Inspirent, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching into Manchester. The city will see the third-fastest economic growth of all UK towns and cities over the next few years and has an enviably supportive business community. Inspirent are delighted to offer our depth of experience to local business owners, to help contribute to their own growth and the city’s economic development.

“As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to delivering support that will make a real difference to the businesses and leaders we work with, because we know that when businesses thrive, communities thrive. We can’t wait to welcome our first Manchester cohorts and start delivering the impact we’ve become renowned for in Scotland.”

Since launching in 1987, Inspirent has helped over 50,000 businesses start, and helped the growth of more than 20,000 established SMEs.

Inspirent’s Business Growth Club is by application only, and open to established businesses in Manchester with an annual sales turnover of £1 million - £3 million. The club is specifically designed for business owners who are ambitious to grow, but are either not progressing as they wish, or are lacking direction.

Naomi Timperley, an Inspirent Business Growth Partner in Manchester said: “The difference a peer-to-peer group can make in the acceleration of business growth is huge. I’m looking forward to welcoming ambitious local leaders who want some inspiration and new thinking when it comes to continued company growth.”

Club Members will meet face-to-face each month in Manchester city centre. Facilitated by a dedicated Business Growth Partner, these full day meetings include peer-to-peer challenge and solution sessions, expert workshops, guest business owner speakers, and member spotlight sessions. In-depth one-to-one meetings between business owners and their Business Growth Partner are also part of the support.

Liz McCutcheon concluded: “It has never been a more exciting yet more challenging time to lead a company. Our team of professionals know that running a business can be difficult and stressful, which is why we take a caring approach to the way we work. We give business owners all the expert growth support, challenge and encouragement they need to help them reach the best decisions and take action, but with a friendly arm around them at all times.”