When Natalie Blakeley was juggling a medical career in cosmetic procedures with raising two young children, she realised that running her own clinic would give her more control over her working life. “It seemed obvious to me,” says Natalie, who is based in Surrey. “I was a doctor specialising in cosmetic procedures and travelling the country, working in an area where I knew I could set up by myself.”

In 2009 she founded the Light Touch Clinic in Guildford, offering a range of cosmetic treatments. Within a few years the clinic had grown enough to employ a small team, and Natalie began looking for structured support to take the business to the next level. She joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme, a free business growth programme delivered in partnership with several leading universities.

Her experience illustrates a wider opportunity for women entrepreneurs in the UK. High-quality growth training can improve both the resilience and the scalability of an established business, yet women remain underrepresented on programmes aimed at scaling up. According to the government-backed Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, women-led businesses accounted for around 20% of all UK SMEs in 2022, up from 17% in 2018. The same review estimates that closing the enterprise gender gap could add up to £250 billion to the UK economy. Despite this progress, all-female founder teams still receive only a small fraction of UK venture capital investment, and women are more likely to access start-up support than growth-focused training.

The gap is not ability; it is access and visibility. Women often start businesses with lower levels of initial funding and are less likely to apply for external finance or executive education. Growth programmes can help address this by providing structured learning, peer networks and the confidence to pursue larger contracts, new markets and additional staff.

“I’m a doctor, not a business person,” Natalie explains. “I thought that if I could do some more formal training, rather than just middling along, it would help me massively with building my business.” That decision paid off quickly. She brought forward plans to invest in new equipment, accelerated recruitment, and developed a clearer strategy for expansion.

“Starting the programme was really exciting – and now I’m beginning to realise why and how I should grow my business,” she says. “I’m taking on new staff earlier than anticipated and have brought forward plans to buy new equipment, like a laser hair-removal machine, by nearly a year.”

Natalie’s advice for other entrepreneurs eager to start their own business is to stay realistic. “Not everyone is going to be as excited by your business idea as you are,” she says. “You really need to think how an idea is going to work in reality, and sit down and write a business plan. Most important is having support from the people around you – I have two small kids and I’m lucky to have a husband who is really supportive.”

She also recommends seeking help when you need it. “I’m still astounded by all the support I’ve received. I’m making friends with other businesspeople and growing my business beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Growth programmes such as Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK are designed for owners of established small businesses and social enterprises that want to scale. They are not intended for start-ups. The UK programme, launched in 2010, is delivered by partners including Aston University, the University of Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University, UCL and Oxford Saïd. Participants typically receive around 100 hours of practical business and management education, delivered over a series of sessions, together with mentoring, peer support and access to an alumni network.

The curriculum usually covers financial management, marketing and sales, leadership, negotiation, and operational efficiency. Participants are encouraged to apply what they learn immediately, using their own business as a live case study. This practical focus is one reason graduates frequently report increased turnover, new job creation and stronger business plans.

Each participant works on a tailored Business Growth Plan that directs their organisation’s strategy and expansion. Typical eligibility criteria include being a UK-based business that has been trading for at least two years, with a minimum annual turnover and a small team, although exact requirements vary by cohort and delivery partner.

If you are considering a business growth programme, start by reviewing your current operations, cash flow and growth ambitions. Look for a programme that offers practical education, mentoring and a strong alumni network, and check that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Before you apply, gather your latest accounts, draft a short growth narrative and identify the main barriers holding your business back. Be prepared to commit regular time to sessions and homework, and treat the peer network as seriously as the formal teaching. The relationships you build can be just as valuable as the course materials.

Many programmes are free or heavily subsidised, so cost should not be a barrier for an established business ready to scale. For more options, explore the Prowess business support directory to find organisations offering training, funding and finance, and mentoring for women-led businesses across the UK.