Michael Beaton, Corterum

For Michael Beaton, founder and CEO at Newcastle-based Corterum, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Scale-up Leaders’ Academy (SULA) gave him the ability to take a step back from the day-to-day running of the business and focus more on strategy.

Michael attended SULA which ran from January to June 2020 and has since seen the headcount at his business more than triple.

“Our headcount has tripled. It was not all down to SULA, but the Academy did introduce me to ideas and ways of thinking such as having discreet discussions about corporate culture. When you set up a company you don’t even know corporate culture is a thing, but then you realise it one of most important elements of business,” he says.

“It introduces different ways of thinking and while you would be exposed to them over time, the course increases the gradient of the learning curve.”

The Scale-up Leaders’ Academy is run by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, a membership organisation made up of 300 business leaders with a combined turnover of £2.6bn. According to Michael, it was this extensive network that made his attendance on the course worthwhile.

“Getting immersed in a different environment with people who’ve done it, sharing the journey with people in a similar position and making the same errors – it’s a great sounding board,” he says.

“It is non-competitive, very open and a really good learning experience.”

If you're ready to elevate your business and leadership skills to the next level, join the Scale-up Leaders' Academy. Apply now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential.