Everybody talks about the importance of small and medium sized companies being the lifeblood of the economy and they will help the UK out of its current bad patch.

They are not just important, they’re critical, but not just for the UK economy, but for themselves also. Without growth, these companies will not be able to compete and will therefore shrink in front of their competitors. I was at a seminar a couple of weeks ago when John Leach, founder and CEO of Winning Pitch was giving a presentation of the new programme, ‘Coaching for Growth’. I’ve known John for a number of years and what always comes across is his believe and passion in what he is doing. John is himself and entrepreneur and knows exactly the pain and pleasure of growing a business. Over the years I’ve met and worked with many entrepreneurs and they all have what I would call ‘drivers in their bloodstream’. He is no different.

As a company, Winning Pitch forms part of a new Coaching for Growth Consortium, which has signed a contract to carry out the programme, that forms part of a government project to support smaller businesses. The consortium is led by Grant Thornton and also includes Oxford Innovation and Pera. That might sound a bit boring but it isn’t, and with people like John at the helm, not only will it challenge the way companies think, it will encourage them to think the unthinkable in growth terms. Some will make it and some will not, but all accepted onto the programme will benefit.  These private sector companies and entrepreneurs who are running the programme are also growing businesses, so hopefully all should benefit, and the UK economy as well!