Rapid growth programme open for ambitious digital and tech businesses
Ambitious digital and technology businesses looking to achieve rapid growth can once again access support from key industry figures and innovators through a proven Accelerator Programme run by Nottingham Business School (NBS).
The Big House Accelerator Programme, now in its second year, is open to talented and passionate founders and entrepreneurs from the digital and technology sectors in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire who want to fast-track their ideas and businesses.
The programme offers high-quality, high-value, bespoke learning, regular mentoring and support worth over £10k, including access to deep-dive diagnostics, focused workshops, academic research and expertise, peer learning and meaningful networking.
Successful applicants will be guided through the Accelerator by experts from NBS and a carefully selected group of emerging and experienced digital CEOs.
Last year’s participants are now implementing what they’ve learned, with many already on a positive growth trajectory.
Ty Burridge-Oakland, co-founder and director of Product Development at artificial intelligence solutions company, Cognitive.Business, said: "As a result of the programme, we’re more prepared for the future. We’ve got a strong business plan in place, we’ve achieved Innovate UK funding, and are exploring phased equity investment. We’re more ‘business’ now – we interact better with people, position what we do with greater clarity and know better how to engage customers at different levels. Thanks to the Accelerator, we’ve been able to hit the ground sprinting.
“Conversations with other businesses have given us the opportunity to talk about different ways to develop our business. We even phoned one of our cohort for advice and feedback before an important business meeting – that kind of real-life peer support is invaluable.
“Our mentor was really good at balancing challenges with encouragement. This pushed us to think about things we’d not previously considered, helping us make the right decisions at the right time. For example, after prompting, providing consultancy services sooner in our business plan to open up opportunities for product development.”
Georgina Fairhall, whose business, Work and Communications Ltd (WAC), helps workers to track hours, keep on top of wages and manage bills, said: “The programme has helped me do things in the right order and talk to the right people which has saved me a great deal of time. I feel calmer and have a more systematic way of working, with a clear checklist to work through.
“People have noticed a difference in me and I couldn’t have anticipated how far I’ve come, so quickly. The Accelerator was just what I needed, when I needed it and WAC wouldn’t be at the standard it is now without the programme.”
Dr Lynn Oxborrow, Associate Professor in Small Business and Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Business School, said: “We have seen the participants from 2019 gain clarity in their strategies, grow in confidence and take great strides in growing their businesses.
“Now more than ever it’s important for businesses to be able to access the right support and this programme is designed to challenge participants, leaving them in optimum shape to achieve their plans for growth.”
For further information, contact The Big House team via email: or Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4042.