Nearly 30 companies have now been accepted to take part in a scheme set up by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) to boost business success in the region.

The £3.7 million HighGrowth East Midlands programme offers world-class support, advice and coaching for companies that are achieving, or are preparing for, high growth.

The new programme follows a successful pilot scheme which ran during 2006.  The majority of the companies that took part in the pilot scheme benefited from a 25% increase in turnover.

There are two main elements to the new support programme, and the first, High Growth, for existing high growth companies, was opened in Mid-June with an inaugural networking dinner, giving participants an opportunity to meet and network before the serious work begins.

The High Growth programme provides 20 days of intensive coaching and a three day residential masterclass for Managing Directors and Chief Executives, designed by the Nottingham Business School.

An appraisal of the company’s strengths and weaknesses by a High Growth team is followed by the appointment of a carefully selected Growth Coach, whose job is to help target key areas needing attention if the company is to achieve its goals.

The second element of emda’s support programme is the Growth Readiness scheme, aimed at businesses poised and able to grow.  Selection of companies for Growth Readiness is underway, with results of the first round expected soon.

For more details about HighGrowth East Midlands, visit www.hgeastmidlands.com