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Strathclyde Business School: Growth Advantage Programme
Leadership Capacity
Impact for scaleups
115
Companies supported
2x
Greater projected average sales within 3 years
60%
Business increased turnover by average annual rate above 20%
50%
Businesses increased employment by more than 20%
Key sectors
Since 2015, the Growth Advantage Programme (GAP) has helped fast-growing Scottish businesses scale through relevant, accessible, and practical learning. Designed for companies with at least £1 million turnover, it attracts participants from diverse sectors across Scotland, all looking to grow further and faster.
GAP combines high-quality executive education with the insights and shared learning of a dynamic peer network. Regular reviews ensure the programme evolves, with lessons learned shaping its future development.
Over 115 companies, representing a diverse range of sectors and business models, have taken part in the GAP to date. GAP companies now generate £352 million in annual revenues and employ over 2,540 people. 60% of participating businesses have increased turnover by more than 20% annually, while 50% have grown jobs at the same rate. On average, participants expect to double their sales within three years, reflecting sustained ambition and confidence as well as demonstrating strong scaling trajectories and improved strategic clarity.
Since its launch in 2015, the Growth Advantage Programme (GAP) has continued to evolve with meaningful changes and refinements to ensure its content remains relevant, practical, and impactful. The programme now boasts 31% female participation, one B Corp certification, and strong links with academia, including two completed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Strathclyde’s first Management KTP. Ongoing reviews ensure that lessons learned shape future development, strengthening GAP’s role in accelerating business growth across Scotland.
Leaders consistently report enhanced confidence, more structured approaches to planning and performance measurement, and a renewed ability to lead and motivate teams effectively. Peer learning and shared experience remain at the heart of the programme’s value, enabling participants to learn directly from one another’s successes and challenges.
Building on the changes introduced for Cohort 6, a new session on Purpose was added to the Conscious Leadership learning, helping founders and leaders examine the alignment between their personal purpose and their business vision. The session on preparing for exit, introduced last year, was further developed with practical checklists to support participants in tracking progress and identifying next steps, reinforcing the principle that the best way to secure a strategic exit is by building a purposeful and profitable business. A key highlight of this session was a live case study featuring a participant from GAP’s inaugural 2015 cohort, who successfully exited his manufacturing company and attributed much of his success to the insights and practical tools gained through the programme. Now approaching its tenth anniversary, GAP is increasingly drawing on the experiences of its alumni who have delivered strong growth, incorporating their insights into key Pinnacles of Growth Dinners to reinforce the long-term impact of applying its learning.
Strathclyde Business School: Growth Advantage Programme website
