Driving inclusive growth with West Yorkshire’s Good Growth Programme
This month, we spoke to Jas Hayre, Client Manager for the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme, to explore how the initiative is helping businesses including those led by ethnic minority entrepreneurs to grow sustainably and unlock new opportunities.
Championing business growth
Jas plays a key role in guiding businesses from their first interaction with the programme through to completion, supporting delivery coaches and attending regional events to promote the programme and gather insights.
“My role covers onboarding businesses, ensuring eligibility, supporting them through the programme, and attending regional events to gather insights on business challenges,” Jas explained.
About the programme
The West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme is delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice and is led by West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the mayor’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live.
The programme focuses on:
- GROWTHmapper® diagnostic – highlighting areas for improvement.
- Expert-led masterclasses – covering marketing & sales, finance, HR & people development, sustainability, and digitalisation.
- 28 hours of bespoke coaching – delivered flexibly to meet each business’s needs.
“Because the support is bespoke, it develops at the pace of each company, helping to ensure growth is sustainable,” Jas says.
A recent example is Aim Forward, which has used the programme to refine its marketing strategy, target new opportunities, and strengthen its growth plans leading to increased turnover and job creation.
Engaging ethnic minority businesses
Ethnic minority-led businesses are a vital part of West Yorkshire’s economy, yet awareness of available support can sometimes be a barrier to growth. The Good Growth Programme is making real strides in addressing this. In cohort 1, 10% of supported businesses were majority-led by someone from an ethnic minority background; this is double the national average of 5%.
During the 2023–2025 cycle, 28 businesses led by people from ethnic minority backgrounds have been supported, representing 11.5% of all participating businesses. These enterprises accessed either standard support (four days of coaching) or enhanced support (eight days), with match funding of £500 per intervention.
“We’re addressing this by sharing success stories from multicultural businesses that have thrived through the programme,” Jas says.
He’s also observed generational differences:
“Owners who inherit family businesses may be less likely to access coaching, whereas new start-ups from ethnic minority communities are often more open to it.”
West Yorkshire, a place to grow
“Yorkshire has a rich industrial heritage, skilled and hardworking employees, and ambitious communities,” says Jas. “Diversity brings new perspectives and opens up new markets; both essential for sustainable growth.”
The programme actively collaborates with organisations like YABA and Lifted Ventures to champion diversity and inclusion.
Get involved
For more information about the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme visit: www.wygoodgrowth.co.uk