Hosted by Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University, in collaboration with eight other university business schools, business leaders from across South Yorkshire and beyond, came together for a day focused on workplace leadership.
The event brought together Help to Grow alumni from a variety of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), with opportunities to network, share experiences and take part in workshops.
Dr Sam Giove, Director of Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We were delighted to host the inaugural Help to Grow: Management Alumni Northern Conference at the Sheffield Business School. The success of the event highlighted the strength of the Help to Grow community, with alumni from across the region coming together to network, share ideas and learn from one another.
"Working in partnership with eight other universities to deliver this event was a real privilege and reflects the collaborative ethos at the heart of the programme. By creating opportunities for continued learning and connection, we can help ensure SME leaders have the support and networks they need to drive sustainable growth and success.”
Following a welcome address from Dr Claire Holland, Division Head for Business Management and People at Sheffield Business School, breakout sessions were delivered on topics including the safe implementation of AI, storytelling in marketing and leading through change.
Helen Gibson MBE, global entrepreneur and international business expert, gave a keynote in which she shared her story of growing a family business and tackling many obstacles along the way.
The day finished with a discussion facilitated by Katey Curtis, from the University of Huddersfield where the panel shared their growth journeys as a result of completing the course, and how further business school support has helped them reach their goals.
John Bevan, Director, S4S, said: "The Help to Grow Management Alumni Northern Conference was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with fellow business leaders, share challenges and gain practical insights that are directly relevant to leading and growing SMEs in today's environment. We also picked up some new tips from the individual breakout sessions.”
Paul Johnson, Director, International Freight Solutions Ltd and Help to Grow: Management 2024 alum, said: "Taking one day a week out of my usual work routine over 12 weeks really helped me step back and rethink how I run my business. Not only did I learn valuable tips from the modules, but I also met some fantastic people who were keen to share their own business experiences. I cannot recommend the course enough!"
Help to Grow: Management is a national course delivered locally by university business schools and designed for business owners and senior leaders of SMEs who are keen to grow their organisation. It is accredited by the Small Business Charter and 90 per cent subsidised by the government.
Hallam's Help to Grow: Management Course, which has so far supported more than 350 businesses, is returning with its 23rd cohort due to start on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Find out more on eligibility criteria and register for the Help to Grow: Management course.
