What's Included?
SULA includes six months of transformative learning and support, including:
- 6 x 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
- 1 x ticket to our Spring Conference
Coached Workshop Topics
- Session 1: Introduction and Growth Mindset. Please note: this session is for business owners only.
- Session 2: People (Attracting and keeping the right people)
- Session 3: Strategy (Creating a truly differentiated strategy)
- Session 4: Implementation (Flawless execution)
- Session 5: Cash (Having enough to weather the storms)
- Session 6: One Page Strategic Plan
Workshop Dates
- Session 1: 19th January 2026 (morning)
- Session 2: 9th February 2026 (morning)
- Session 3: 9th March 2026 (morning)
- Session 4: 20th April 2026 (morning)
- Session 5: 18th May 2026 (morning)
- Session 6: 15th June 2026 (allow full day)
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 6 x 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?
- Thursday 14th May 2026.
- Not to be missed full day of inspiration with headline speakers from leading UK entrepreneurial businesses, plus workshops.
- Largest gathering of entrepreneurs in the North East.
- Additional tickets can be purchased for your team.
What's the Investment?
- £4,000 + VAT.
- Funding (up to 50%) may be available depending on your location.
