Beyond is a bespoke scaleup support programme for businesses in the Liverpool City Region. Delivered by Form as part of the Gather

Beyond provides tailored consultancy and executive coaching, equipping scaling businesses with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary for sustainable growth and expansion. 

By leveraging the expertise of specialist growth consultants, the programme ensures participants receive personalised support to overcome key barriers to scale. Participants also benefit from access to expert networks, including investors such as Gateway Angels, DCW Ventures, and FWS Advisory; corporate partners; and universities such as Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, linking academic insight with business innovation. It also offers valuable peer-to-peer learning opportunities, enabling founders and executives to share experiences and connect with growth experts, while the Gather alumni network provides ongoing collaboration, workspace access, and strong ecosystem connections.

Since its launch, Beyond has supported 60+ scaling businesses, including Azinq, Cybertill and Redwigwam. As part of Gather, it has contributed to strengthening leadership capacity, with 150+ senior leadership team members and emerging leaders receiving targeted development and coaching. Notably, 28% of supported businesses are female-led, and 41% of leadership programme participants have been female, reinforcing Beyond’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In the last twelve months, Beyond has expanded its expertise with new consultants and industry advisers, supporting businesses in emerging sectors such as AI, technology, and international markets, allowing Beyond to provide more targeted and sector-specific guidance that addresses the current market needs and scaleup challenges that align with their growth trajectory. The programme has also introduced an innovative extension that provides participating businesses with access to an additional £30,000 in tailored scaleup support on a 50% contribution model, offering flexibility to invest in critical growth areas such as product development to enhance market fit, new market strategy and implementation to drive international expansion and sector diversification, and AI integration to optimise operations and product innovation. 

To date, the programme has created c. 140 new jobs, with 95% of participants anticipating year-on-year headcount growth over the next five years. It has facilitated three NED and long-term advisory appointments, strengthening strategic oversight for scaling companies. Participant businesses have achieved over £5 million in turnover growth, representing an average annual scaleup growth rate of 45%, and now contribute more than £56 million to the Liverpool City Region economy. 

The programme has helped participating businesses secure £2.63 million in investment and funding. It has also enabled companies to access new market opportunities. For example, a design studio secured over £500,000 through partnerships in the Middle East, while Advanced Manufacturing Consultancy won a £500,000 new contract following targeted business development support.

Beyond continues to evolve through 2025, with funding secured through 2026 and new businesses joining each cohort. The ScaleUp Institute will continue to monitor its growing impact on leadership, innovation, and sustainable business growth across the Liverpool City Region.

“The Beyond Programme delivered by Form has put us in an incredibly strong position to raise our first round of crowdfunded equity investment to build our dream team and scale our business.”   – Paul Myers – Farm Urban

Beyond – Gather website