The UK’s leading science and innovation campus, Sci-Tech Daresbury, has partnered with Santander to develop and launch a business growth masterclass programme for fast-growth tech companies located on the Daresbury site.

The masterclass will bring critical expertise and opportunities for discussion in areas such as business strategy, marketing, international growth and talent.

Breakthrough

The Breakthrough Masterclasses are part of Santander’s Breakthrough programme, which aims to help small businesses unlock their potential. As part of the programme, Santander is also making up to £200 million of growth capital loans available to fast-growth companies looking to invest in and grow their business. In addition to finance, Breakthrough also offers companies access to support and development programmes not typically available to SMEs, including international trade missions to learn about the advantages of exporting abroad.

Sci-Tech Daresbury

A total of nine companies located at Sci-Tech Daresbury will be participating in the 6 month programme from a range of sectors including advanced engineering, ICT and clean technologies. The aim of the programme is to help these companies unlock their potential growth by increasing their opportunities to access new markets and geographies, developing the capabilities of their management team and helping support key strategic changes in the business.

John Leake, Business Development Manager at Sci-Tech Daresbury, said:

“We have been delighted with the commitment of Santander to engage with and support high-growth technology companies in breaking through the barriers that can constrain their development. The masterclass is an excellent example of where Santander is thinking outside of the box about the type of expertise and support high-growth technology companies need beyond conventional banking services. We are looking forward to the launch of the Business Breakthrough Class and the successes it will bring in driving new growth in our companies.”

John Williams, Head of Breakthrough at Santander UK, said:

“We are committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. By partnering with other private businesses such as Sci-Tech Daresbury, the Santander Breakthrough programme is able to offer bespoke support designed specifically to help fast growth business. Collaboration is at the heart of our Breakthrough programme, which aims to help transform the entrepreneurial ideas of today into the successful and wealth generating businesses of tomorrow.”

Jonathan Steele, Head of Finance at Cash Management Solutions, a Sci-Tech Daresbury company participating in the programme, said:

“The programme will enable SME businesses, like ourselves to discuss business issues with experienced professionals from Santander and likeminded leaders of local companies. Discussing these problems is vital for us to continue to grow and wouldn’t be achievable without the support from Santander and Sci-Tech Daresbury.”