A business mentorship scheme is celebrating UK-wide success.
Two professionals from the University of Worcester’s Help to Grow: Management programme were honoured at a national awards ceremony in London.
Steve Ennis, a mentor on the scheme, and Richard Sadler, a participating business owner, were both recognised at the event, hosted by organisers of the programme .
Mr Ennis said: “Richard had a really clear vision of what he wanted to do.
“All he needed was someone neutral to bounce ideas off; someone outside his business who could give him permission to do what he already knew he needed to do.
“My award is really Richard’s award.
“He’s the one who has grown his business, challenged himself, and acted on the things he knew he ought to do.
“I just helped him along.”
Mr Ennis supported Mr Sadler as he developed his company, CJC Aggregates and Landscaping Supplies.
The Help to Grow: Management programme is backed by the UK Government and delivered through accredited business schools, including the University of Worcester’s Worcester Business School.
Richard Sadler, who received the Mentor’s Choice Award, said: “To get the award was a real validation of all the work Steve and I have done together.
“I hadn’t run my own business until I was in my early 50s.
“I came into the Help to Grow programme three years into building the business, and it really helped me pull together a strategy and grow the business profitably.”
The 12-week course aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) boost productivity, build resilience, and drive long-term growth.
Participants receive practical tools for brand development, high-performance workplace culture, and strategy growth planning.
Mr Ennis said: “Help to Grow is the perfect course for any owner looking to scale their business their business.
“To find competitive advantage, you have to become the best version of yourself, and this course helps you do that.”
Mr Sadler remains involved with the programme as an alumnus.
He said: “I’ve been a guest on the programme’s podcast, and they did a big case study article on me and my business which gave me the chance to really reflect on everything we’ve achieved as a team.”