St John's Innovation Centre

A programme of Master Classes will cover the raising and securing of finance, marketing, managing growth, innovation and leadership, delivered by some of Cambridge's most successful business people.

Businesses will be able to choose those classes that are most relevant to their needs. Participants will be able to tap into a wealth of information and advice and learn of techniques to help them through the early difficult days. A free mentoring programme is also available.

St. John's Innovation Centre has been contracted to administer this programme, which will initially take place from mid January to 31st March 2005. It is proposed to run further sessions throughout 2005.

If you would like to take part in this exciting new initiative, please email Ruth Puddick on kah24@dial.pipex.com as soon as possible for an information pack and to make any reservations, as places for the Master Classes for the next few months are limited.

The Greater Cambridge Partnership is funding this programme and support is provided through Business Link for Cambridgeshire. Businesses accepted onto the programme may be eligible* to receive vouchers to the value of 750 to redeem against Master Classes, or support services.


Master Class programme

Master Classes will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to cover many different aspects of starting and running a High Growth business. Written and presented by experts in their field, the Master Classes will cover the theory and then encourage the application of many techniques that will make a real difference to your business. A comprehensive workbook will be provided at each session.

The Masterclasses cover the following topics:
Business planning NOT business plans
Marketing for high growth businesses
Achieving and managing growth
Leadership, recruitment and motivation
Going global: Growing an international business
Innovation and creativity: Practical tools and approaches
Raising and managing money
Legal considerations: Bloody Lawyers!
Sales and negotiation
Management and teams






*Qualification for Support

To qualify for vouchers, a business must have been trading for less than 12 months, or be looking to start a new business within the next year, have a credible forecast of turning over 1M within three years, and expectations of trading outside the sub-region, within 12 months.

It may be that your business has been running for more than 12 months, but it is still in the R & D stage, and little or no trading has taken place. Each case will be considered on its merits and you may still qualify for the vouchers.

Even if the business does not qualify for vouchers, your business is still welcome to apply for places on the programme, but you will have to pay the full cost for any Master Classes which you attend. i.e. 75 per Master Class.