The Programme

The Scale-up Leaders' Academy (SULA) will build your own leadership skills and ensure your team are not left behind.   

What's Included?

SULA includes six months of transformative learning and support including:

• Six scaling-up coached workshops (in person)
• 1-1 support from accredited course coach, Ian Kinnery 
• Access to our Entrepreneurs in Residence 
• Premium Entrepreneurs' Forum membership upgrade included for 2026
• One ticket per company to our Spring Conference

What Happens in the Workshops?

• The goal of the workshops is for you to build a one page strategic plan to help you to reach your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).
• Sessions are led by Ian Kinnery, our accredited Scale Up coach using proven methodology and tools developed by Verne Harnish (global leader in scale up coaching). Each tool builds towards your strategic plan.
• You'll work with your leadership team on your plan, ensuring you have the right people doing the right things at the right time to make it happen. This gives you structure and keeps everyone in the team aligned in common purpose.
• Each session requires you to commit to actions to be completed by the next session to ensure accountability for moving forward
• You will be able to learn from the other businesses on the cohort.
• You'll hear stories and lessons from our Entrepreneurs in Residence, showing you how the lessons are applied in practice.

What 1-1 Support will Ian Kinnery Give Me?

If you need clarification or a helping hand with implementing your learnings, Ian is available for up to six 15 minute 1-1 calls with you throughout the programme. 

What Do the Entrepreneurs in Residence Do?

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence are seasoned entrepreneurs with decades of experience in running businesses. They dedicate their time to helping you scale your business, offering support through:

• Fireside chats at our workshops
• 1-1 mentoring

What is Premium Membership?

SULA members receive Premium Membership of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for 2026. This gives business owners full access to our wide range of services and events, while also allowing senior leadership teams to attend workshops and larger events. We run six workshops a year, covering topics from AI to Communication Skills, all designed to equip you and your team with the tools and knowledge to run your business more effectively.

When is the Spring Conference?

Our Spring Conference will take place on Thursday 14th May 2026. It’s the only conference in our 2026 programme and it’s bursting with choice. Pick your sessions, shape your schedule and immerse yourself in high-energy inspiration, bold ideas and meaningful connections. Additional tickets can be purchased for your team.

What's the Investment?

The Scale-up Leaders' Academy costs £4,000 + VAT. Funding (up to 50%) may be available depending on your location. 

For more information, or to discuss SULA in more detail, contact Michael Dixon on 0191 500 7780 or michael@entrepreneursforum.net.