13th November 2025, Liverpool
L-R – Clan Contracting: Damian Meyers (Managing Director); Blakes Workplace Solutions: Rachel Walker (Commercial Director), Michael Byrne (Managing Director)
In a climate where business headlines often focus on challenge and uncertainty, the University of Liverpool Management School is shining a light on the success stories of local SMEs who are not just surviving but thriving, thanks to the Help to Grow: Management course.
Now in its fifth year almost 240 businesses and over 260 leaders across Liverpool City Region have been through the Help to Grow: Management course. This week, the University of Liverpool is marking this milestone by providing Help to Grow: Management course regional Ambassador status to Liverpool-based businesses who exemplify the transformative impact of leadership education in unlocking growth potential. The first to be announced are Blakes Workplace Solutions and Clan Contracting with further Ambassador businesses being announced in January.
Bootle-based Blakes Workplace Solutions has experienced a meteoric 300% growth since completing the course. Originally focused on office supplies, the business has transformed by moving into furniture and workspace design as employers continue to see the benefits of investing in environments where workforces can thrive.
Rachel Walker, Commercial Director at Blakes and a 2023 Help to Grow: Management course graduate, said:
“It’s a real honour to be recognised as a Help to Grow: Management course regional business Ambassador. The course was such a turning point for me and for Blakes – it gave me the structure, confidence and clarity to lead change and drive growth. I’m passionate about helping other SME leaders understand what a difference this course can make, and proud to represent the University of Liverpool Management School in encouraging more businesses to take part.”
Widnes-based Clan Contracting, specialists in structural repair and heritage restoration, have also seen outstanding results since completing the course in 2021. Having carried out major works on some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Liver Building and the Liverpool Philharmonic Theatre, the company used the insights from Help to Grow: Management course to diversify and innovate.
Managing Director Damian Meyers explained:
“We’re incredibly proud to be named a Help to Grow: Management course regional business Ambassador. The course gave us the opportunity to step back and think strategically about the future, and the impact has been transformational. Our spin-off business, which now employs six people and turns over nearly £1 million, grew out of that process. I’m keen to spread the word to other SME leaders about how valuable the University of Liverpool Management School’s course can be in unlocking new ideas and growth.”
As regional Ambassadors, the businesses will play a key role in championing the Help to Grow: Management course over the coming months, sharing their growth stories across social media, events and press to inspire other SME leaders. They’ll feature in a dedicated campaign of digital content, video case studies and thought leadership, helping to amplify the message that investing in leadership and innovation can unlock lasting business success across the North-West.
Professor Carl Gavin, Director of Executive Education at the University of Liverpool Management School, said:
“Our purpose is to empower business leaders with the knowledge, networks and confidence to drive sustainable growth. The stories of Blakes and Clan are living proof of what’s possible when leadership meets learning.
The Help to Grow: Management course has given hundreds of SMEs the tools to build resilience and unlock potential, and I’d encourage every business leader to reach out to their local business school and take advantage of this invaluable support.”
Help to Grow: Management is a 90% UK Government-funded leadership development course designed for SME leaders. The 12-week programme blends practical learning with one-to-one mentoring to help participants develop their leadership skills, build growth strategies and strengthen innovation and resilience.
Since 2020, the University has successfully delivered thirteen cohorts, supporting over 260 business leaders of North West SMEs to unlock growth and lead positive change.
To find out more and register your interest for 2026 email Denise.Wright@liverpool.ac.uk or visit the website.