A new mentorship initiative launches in Greater Manchester, aiming to empower businesses.
GREATer Manchester Mentoring seeks to unify regional resources, boosting local enterprise.
The Vision Behind Greater Manchester Mentoring
In a pioneering effort to revolutionise business support, the Business Growth Hub has unveiled the GREATer Manchester Mentoring programme. This initiative, coinciding with National Mentoring Day, seeks to amalgamate disparate mentoring resources throughout the region. The goal is to assemble a formidable bank of 600 active volunteer mentors supporting 1,000 individuals by 2020, enhancing the regional enterprise ecosystem.
The strategic importance of mentoring in business cannot be overstated. Mentoring provides a framework that allows businesses to grow through shared expertise and independent advice. It acts as a sounding board for entrepreneurs seeking fresh perspectives on challenges they face daily. Moreover, by bringing together the wealth of mentoring talent in Greater Manchester, the programme aims to align various expert offerings and create a cohesive vision for mentorship that significantly impacts local businesses.
Steering Group: A Confluence of Expertise
The mentoring leaders who convened for the inaugural steering group meeting play pivotal roles in shaping this initiative. Key figures, such as Chris Travis from the Business Growth Hub, Janine Smith, head of growth services, Heather Waters from NatWest E-Spark, and Patricia Keating of Tech Manchester, steer this ambitious project. Their collaboration underscores the collective effort to strengthen mentoring frameworks across the region.
Chris Travis encapsulated the essence of mentoring when he remarked, “Mentoring exists to help people succeed.” This sentiment is echoed in the programme’s objectives: aiding individuals in navigating both business and personal landscapes. Through mentorship, entrepreneurs can explore new ideas, benefit from experienced insights, and acquire the confidence to drive their businesses forward.
Impact on Local Businesses
For businesses like Staff Oldham, the Hub’s mentoring work has proven transformative. Trish Travis, the business’s representative, describes mentor Helen Besant-Roberts from Hurst as indispensable. After 20 years as a business owner, Trish felt stagnant and sought a new perspective. The mentorship provided by Helen injected fresh ideas and renewed vigour, acting as a catalyst for growth.
The immediate impact was profound. With Helen’s guidance, Trish was able to visualise the end goals and understand the necessary steps to achieve them. This kind of targeted mentorship is a testament to the value of personalised guidance. Trish now regards the programme as an essential component of her business strategy, evidencing the real-world effects of such initiatives.
Strengthening Cross-Industry Connections
The partnership between Business Growth Hub, NatWest, and Tech Manchester is a testament to successful cross-industry collaboration. Patricia Keating expressed delight in formalising this relationship, highlighting how the GREATer Manchester steering group amplifies the benefits of mentoring and fosters broader participation.
Over the past autumn, Tech Manchester alone conducted workshops training 60 businesspeople in mentorship. This effort not only facilitates skill development but also enhances the tech and digital communities within Manchester. Such initiatives foster a culture of mutual support and growth, essential for maintaining Manchester’s reputation as a hub of innovation and cooperation.
Vision of a Thriving Tech Community
Lawrence Jones MBE, CEO of UKFast, emphasises the strategic alignment of these mentoring communities towards a unified goal: to solidify Manchester as the UK’s leading tech city. He advocates for the continuous collaboration that has been a hallmark of the region’s success in the tech industry.
With a proud history of working together, Manchester’s organisations are well-positioned to leverage their combined expertise. By sharing insights through programmes like GREATer Manchester Mentoring, the city can enhance its enterprise landscape and ensure sustained growth across various sectors.
Developing Future Leaders
The commitment to developing future leaders is evident in the initiative’s mission. By providing structured mentorship, the programme cultivates a new generation of business leaders equipped with the skills necessary to innovate and lead. Mentorship becomes a critical tool in closing the knowledge gap for burgeoning entrepreneurs.
These efforts are not just about immediate business gains; they are strategic investments in the region’s future economic health. The programme enables emerging leaders to connect with seasoned professionals, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering an enduring culture of mentorship.
Get Involved
For those interested in joining this transformative initiative, opportunities abound. The Business Growth Hub welcomes volunteers and organisations to participate, furthering the reach and impact of the mentoring programme. Engaged mentors contribute to a cycle of growth and innovation, ensuring that Greater Manchester continues to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
The launch of GREATer Manchester Mentoring marks a significant milestone in regional business support.
This initiative not only strengthens existing mentoring networks but also invites new collaborations, driving sustained economic growth. The future holds promise as Greater Manchester solidifies its position as a leader in innovation and enterprise through strategic mentorship.