Beyond: Scaleup Support for Digital, Creative, and Tech Businesses

Beyond is a bespoke scaleup support programme for businesses in the Liverpool City Region, recently recognised by the ScaleUp Institute as One to Watch for its high-impact approach to scaling challenges. Delivered by Form as part of the Gather initiative, Beyond provides tailored consultancy and executive coaching, equipping scaling businesses with the tools, insights, and strategies needed for sustainable expansion. By leveraging the expertise of specialist growth consultants, the programme ensures participants receive personalised support to overcome key barriers to scale.

Since its launch, Beyond has supported 45 scaling companies, including Milexa Group, Redwigwam, and SupplyWell. As part of Gather, it has contributed to strengthening leadership capacity, with over 180 digital, creative, and tech businesses benefitting from the wider ecosystem. Backed by key stakeholders, including the Mayor and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the programme aligns with regional economic growth priorities.

It offers participants access to an extensive network of partners. Growth Platform plays a central role in delivery, ensuring coordination with wider business support initiatives. The programme also connects participants with investors such as LCR Angels, DCW Ventures, and FWS Advisory, supporting businesses in securing growth capital. Further partnerships with organisations including KPMG, Brabners, and MAP provide expertise in legal, financial, and strategic matters, while universities such as Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool contribute in accessing research, talent, and innovation expertise.

Participants work closely with an experienced growth consultant—an entrepreneur who has successfully scaled and exited their own business—to develop targeted strategies for expansion. Alongside this, business leaders benefit from executive coaching to enhance leadership resilience, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate rapid growth. Peer-to-peer engagement is also a key element, with the annual Beyond Leadership Gathering providing a platform for leaders to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from industry experts. The programme also helps businesses strengthen talent strategies, refine recruitment and retention practices, and build high-performing teams; while at the same time, it helps businesses unlock new markets, refine their pitching strategies, and expand domestically and internationally. This targeted approach has enabled many participants to secure new sales, forge strategic partnerships, and successfully raise investment.

Beyond’s strong alumni network provides ongoing support and peer learning opportunities. Past participants remain connected, exchanging insights and accessing continued guidance. Through Gather, businesses also gain access to additional ecosystem partners, workspace solutions, and networking opportunities that support their long-term growth.

Since its inception, Beyond has delivered measurable results. Participants have seen an average turnover growth of 65%, with pre-intervention turnover averaging £1.5 million and post-intervention turnover reaching £2 million. Gross Value Added (GVA) growth has been calculated at £41,006,797, reflecting its significant contribution to the regional economy. Collectively, participants have forecast £113 million in total turnover growth between 2024 and 2030, with 89% expecting revenue increases of more than 20% over the next five years. Half of the businesses supported have reported an increase in headcount, with nearly 90% expecting to expand further in the next five years. The programme continues to evolve, integrating participant feedback to meet the changing needs of scaleups.

The ScaleUp Institute will continue to monitor Beyond’s progress, assessing how its evolving support mechanisms deliver practical and lasting impact for scaleup leaders.

“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