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Programme

Cranfield School of Management: Business Growth Programme

Leadership Capacity

Impact for scaleups

3,200+

Business leaders participated since 1988

30%

Average sales increase after completing BGP

200+

Smaller high-growth firms participated in the R4S and R4NZG programmes

Key sectors

Impact ventures / Social Impact Life Sciences & Biotech Building & Construction Manufacturing / Advanced Manufacturing Creative, digital, film, games & media Professional services Defence & security Technology & Communications Engineering / Advanced Engineering Transport & Logistics Environmental Science & Technology Farming, fisheries & forestry Finance Food & drink Healthcare

Cranfield School of Management: Business Growth Programme (BGP) is for ambitious leaders looking to scale and grow their business that have been in operation for at least three years; have a turnover of between £0.5 million and £30 million and a staff of 5 to 100.

BGP combines the latest academic thinking with peer-to-peer learning and more than 3,200 business leaders have participated in Cranfield’s Business Growth Programme (BGP) since its launch in 1988. 

BGP combines the latest academic thinking with peer-to-peer learning, guiding participants through key topics for scaling up and equipping them with a robust business growth plan, which is reviewed by independent advisors and reassessed after six months. BGP alumni report an average 30% increase in sales and profits post-completion, with notable graduates including Cobra Beer, Thatchers Cider, Hotel Chocolat, and Go Ape. Its impact is evident in entrepreneurs returning to tackle new scaling challenges. To extend its reach, Cranfield has partnered with local councils to offer full scholarships for its Ready for Scale programme, designed to bring the BGP ethos to ambitious micro and small SMEs.

In 2022, Cranfield University introduced the Ready for Net Zero Growth programme, an 18-week online course designed to help businesses integrate Net Zero ambitions into their growth strategies. Delivered by experts from Cranfield’s School of Management and School of Energy & Sustainability, the programme offers self-paced learning, online tutorials, and one-on-one coaching. Participants engage in a comprehensive Net Zero Growth Plan process, critically reviewing their businesses, conducting carbon audits, and developing actionable growth plans. To date, over 200 SMEs have participated in the Ready for Scale and Ready for Net Zero Growth programmes. Additionally, Cranfield, in partnership with Green Future Investments Limited (GFIL), offers 24 fully funded scholarships to green businesses, covering the full course fees and providing a follow-up carbon audit 12 months after programme completion to assess progress.

Cranfield School of Management: Business Growth Programme website