'Supercharge' pilot scheme, Scale Up Ashford, extended

A pilot scheme to 'supercharge' ambitious companies in one Kent town has proved such a success it has been extended.

Scale Up Ashford identified six businesses in the borough assessed as having the potential and ambition to grow and putting them on a bespoke support programme.

The aim is to ensure potential is exceeded, and thus delivering a jobs and economic boost in a sustainable, long-lasting way.

Funded by Ashford Borough Council, it was delivered in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and business growth coaching specialist Simon Teague from New Level Results.

The scheme's philosophy was pioneered by the Scale up Institute in London which looks, as the name suggests, at formulating the best practice for scaling up companies for the wider economic good.

Having proved a success in Ashford - 17 jobs were created, turnover of the companies involved increased by 21% on average and £500,000 worth of investment in plant and machinery was facilitated, it will be extended to benefit 10 companies in the next phase of the programme.

The six firms involved in the first programme are Forza Industries, Red Alert Telecare, AES Precision Engineering, Directline Structures, Medash Signs and Visarc.

Andrew Osborne, economic development manager at Ashford Borough Council, said: “Following the success of the pilot scheme, we are now developing the next phase of the programme, which will expand the help and support available to even more businesses in the Ashford area.”

That second phase will kick off with a workshop before a bespoke programme is created for each one.

The original six firms will continue to be able to access support from the chamber.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More