Business support to help you build and grow your start-up
Extensive 1-2-1 support for your business
Are you looking to establish a new business, generate customers and move forwards successfully? Our mission is to nurture emerging new businesses from across Berkshire and help create a vibrant and supportive start-up community. We will support you in achieving your goals and equip you to meet current and future economic challenges.
LAUNCH programme includes:
Sales & Marketing
Transform your approach to sales & marketing. Gain new perspectives, inspire new ideas and change your way of thinking. Develop your understanding, your capability and develop a strong marketing plan and a simple sales process.
Business Models
In today’s ever-changing landscape, mastering leadership is essential for both your business and your team. Streamline your operations through an established business model, and learn how to produce forecasts.
Time Sensitive Sessions
We understand that time is of the essence. This programme comprises of two workshop and coaching sessions, delivered online, that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to build your business successfully and maintain growth.
Finding Finance
Finances can be a minefield – this two part programme will tell you key numbers every founder should know, work out budgeting, cash flow and future planning, and keeping your finances heavy without needing to be an accountant.
Is my business eligible for the programme?
The LAUNCH programme is designed for Berkshire-based start-ups with a firm idea for a business. You’ll be in the very early stages of trading or plan to start trading very soon. Your turnover (if any) will be less than £10,000.
Apply now
If you think you’re eligible for the LAUNCH programme, please fill in the Expression of Interest form below.
If the LAUNCH programme isn’t for you, explore the Berkshire Growth Hub website for bespoke guides and resources. Register with the Growth Hub site here to access tailored support resources.
Reasons to choose the LAUNCH programme:
Our programme will guide you through the key steps to launching and growing a business in the UK — all in a simple, supportive and practical way. We’ll also introduce a few easy-to-use tools (including some clever AI ones) to help you save time, stay organised, and work smarter — no technical know-how needed!
Why should I attend?
Being a part of the High Growth Programme can be a game-changer for anyone looking to scale their business, refine their leadership skills, and expand their network. Here’s why you should consider it:
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Targeted Support for Growing Businesses: The programme is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and businesses that are already established and aiming for substantial growth. It provides tailored advice and resources to help you overcome the unique challenges that come with scaling up.
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Practical Skills Development: The programme goes beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical workshops and coaching on crucial topics like leadership, finance, marketing, sales strategies, and innovation. This will help you develop the skills necessary to drive business growth effectively.
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Networking Opportunities: You’ll connect with other ambitious entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses, creating potential partnerships, collaborations, and new opportunities. Networking with like-minded individuals can accelerate your business development and lead to long-term growth.
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Comprehensive Growth Plan: At the end of the programme, you’ll have a clearer, more actionable growth plan, backed by insights and feedback from industry experts. This plan will provide a roadmap to help you stay on track and continue growing beyond the programme.
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Local Economic Impact: Participating in a programme that focuses on high-growth businesses within Berkshire gives you the chance to contribute to the regional economy and collaborate with businesses that share similar local and national ambitions.
Overall, the Berkshire High Growth Programme offers a dynamic mix of expert advice, practical learning, and networking that can elevate your business and ensure you’re well-equipped to navigate the challenges of rapid expansion. It’s a unique opportunity to refine your strategies, unlock new possibilities, and achieve your business goals.
What are the time commitments?
This programme consists of two two-hour live webinars within a month as well as a 1 hour coaching with a mentor 1:1.
What is the eligibility?
You need to be either looking to trade within the next 3 months, or have been trading for up to a year. If you are trading, turnover needs to be less than £10,000.
Who will I be speaking to?
There are four Growth Hub advisors – Andre Arundell, Sara Charlesworth, Tony Cross and Lesley McKie – you can view their profiles here.
I have enjoyed all the modules have taken so much insight and learning which I can apply to my business.
The whole programme of work has been really insightful. I had thought given my corporate experience that I wouldn’t learn that much but I’ve definitely been proved wrong and learned so much through the whole experience.
A very informative session. I really needed this! Highly knowledgeable facilitators who have a heart to help me succeed!
Goodness Gracious Ginger
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The Berkshire LAUNCH programme is delivered by Berkshire Growth Hub, part of The Skills and Business Hub.
Support guides
We’ve got lots of useful guides to help you get your new business off on the right foot.
Explore our support guides for helpful information or create a profile to access our full support guide library and detailed resources that our tailored to your business needs.
Start your own business – podcast
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Which accounting software should I use?
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GrantFinder
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What else do I need to consider when starting my business?
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5 key steps to an effective sales strategy
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Does your Networking Work? Our Top Tips
Whether you’re an old hand at networking, or just dipping your toe in the water, you’ll want a good return on investment from your endeavours. Read more
Making Business Finance Work For You
British Business Bank's "Making business finance work for you" guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business. Read more
7 Essential Marketing Tips to Boost Your Startup in 2025
By Lesley McKie, Berkshire Growth Hub Business Adviser Read more
Top 10 AI Tools for SMEs in 2025
As we step into 2025, the landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is increasingly influenced by the innovative capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Read more
Business tax
Running a business requires you to know about tax - find out the different types and what you might have to pay. Read more
Budgeting and Accounting
Consider the key aspects of budgeting and accounting for your business. Read more
Join Help To Grow: Management
Designed to fit alongside work commitments, this programme combines a practical curriculum, with one-to-one support from a leading business mentor and alumni networking sessions. Read more
Business membership organisations
Each business membership organisation provides something different so it's important to review what you want and which will be best for you. Read more
Online start-up courses
The Start Up Loan Company provides a range of free online courses for anyone who wants to be their own boss or is considering starting a business. Read more
10 ways to generate more sales leads
To increase sales in your business, generating more leads is key. This guide shows you how to drum up more sales leads for your business. Read more
Create a marketing plan
Not sure how to write your marketing plan, or even where to start? This marketing plan template guides you through the key aspects you need to cover Read more
Business insurance
Find out what business insurance you might need to protect your company against financial loss. Read more
Employing staff
People are a great resource for your business. It is important to recruit the right staff and to understand your responsibilities as an employer. Read more
Enterprise Nation – support for small businesses
See the support available from Enterprise Nation for small businesses. Read more
How to start exporting?
Great.gov.uk provides support and resources to help businesses start exporting. Read more
Start-up loans
The Government’s Start Up Loans programme provides finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance. Read more
National Business Support Helpline
Contact the National Business Support Helpline to help with your enquiries when starting a business in Berkshire. Read more
Hiring an apprentice
Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. Find out what the benefits are and how to hire an apprentice. Read more
How to build your online business?
The Amazon Small Business Accelerator provides support for building an online business. Read more
Improve your marketing return on investment
See how you can get the best return on your investment for your marketing spend. Read more
Local authority support
Find out the support provided by each of the six local authorities in Berkshire for businesses. Read more
Marketing your business on social media
Review useful tips on how to market your business using social media. Read more
Professional membership organisations
A professional body is an organisation that comprises members who are professionals in a specific sector. Read more
Recruiting the right people
There are many ways to find the right staff for your business. Consider what your business requires and which approach is best for you. Read more
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – International Trade Services
Advice, resources, documentation, workshops and events for businesses looking to export goods and services Read more
Top 10 tips for credit control
Getting invoices paid on time is crucial for your business. Consider these tips to help you manage your cashflow. Read more
Trade finance for UK exporters
Find our how UK Export Finance can help you win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid. Read more
Training and employment schemes for your business
Consider the range of government programmes which are available when you are hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff. Read more
What is PR?
Find out how you can use PR and encourage customers and journalists to think and speak positively about your business. Read more
Green Skills Training in Berkshire
Free green skills construction courses from Langley College to employers in Berkshire to improve the skills of their workforce. Read more
The Education Landscape – Supporting pupils in local Schools & Colleges
Education Landscape's Guide for Employers will outline all the options you have for working with schools, colleges, universities and young people while providing the benefits of doing so. Read more
Business events
Events are a great opportunity to learn something new or network with like minded businesses.
The Reading Tech Cluster Investment Summit 2025
Event date - 4 July 2025
Event time - 09:00 am
Event type - Conference
Location - ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading – Whiteknights Campus
The Reading Tech Cluster Investment Summit 2025, where top tech minds will gather to discuss and invest in the latest tech innovations Read more
SME Academy Launch
Event date - 4 July 2025
Event time - 08:30 am
Event type - Webinar
Location - Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy, Bath Road, TW6 2AP
The Heathrow SME Academy is a new programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses develop the skills and confidence needed to work with large purchasing organisations. It offers a mix of in-person and virtual workshops, as well as 1-2-1 mentor support opportunities. Participate for FREE! Read more
IoD Surrey and Berkshire Directors social networking meetup
Event date - 7 July 2025
Event time - 18:30 pm
Event type - Networking
Location - Manor House, Manor Lounge Bar, Foxhills Club & Resort, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw KT16 0EL
Join the IoD Surrey and IoD Berkshire Branch for a relaxing end to the day, social peer to peer director networking over drinks. Read more
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