Frequently Asked Questions

Will the programme suit my type of business?
I've never had any formal business or management training - is The Business Map right for me?
Is the programme similar to an MBA?
What is the 'Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence'?
What do people who have already participated in the programme say?
Can I get in touch with past participants?
How does the one-to-one business coaching work?
I like the idea of working with other businesses but what about confidentiality
How many people are in each group?
Will I have the opportunity to network with other participants while on the programme?
Can I find out about the experts?
How long does the programme last?
How do I put what I have learned into action in my business?
Can more than one person from my company participate in the programme at the same time?
Is there any financial support available to help with the cost?
Can I pay the fees in instalments?
Can I book on-line?
What if I can't manage to attend one of the sessions?
I’m not a business owner but I’d like to develop my business management skills - can I still participate?

If you want to talk with any past participants who have participated in The Business Map, for a 'warts and all' discussion, contact Liz Metin (liz.metin@go.uk.com) or Raymond Brannan (raymond.brannan@go.uk.com) or call on 0845 606 6372 (Direct).

Will the programme suit my type of business?

It doesn't matter what business you are in, or what type of product or service you sell. Because the elements of organising and running a thriving business are the same for any operation. The only difference lies in the scaling and application of those elements to each unique business. Click here to see the range of businesses that have already participated and find out what they have to say about the programme.

I’ve never had any formal business or management training – is The Business Map right for me?

Yes. Those that have academic business qualifications such as MBA’s tell us that their academic qualifications have told them ‘about’ business but not ‘how to’. The Business Map shows you the ‘how to’ - practical, up to date, real world ways to run your business for greater profitability and success.

Is the programme similar to an MBA?

The Business Map was developed for busy business owners so it’s much shorter and far more practical. Perhaps a good way to explain it is to say that we’ve taken all the really useful, real world, practical bits of an MBA course and put them together into 6 power packed sessions that you participate over 3 short months. You spend less time away from your business and the things you learn are immediate applicable.

What is the Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence?

We like to recognise and applaud these who put what they have learned into practice and transform their business. So if you show our judging panel of influential business people that you’re taking massive action we think this should be rewarded. The winner of the Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence receives a prestigious trophy presented at the Award Dinner at the end of the programme.

What do people who have already participated in the programme say?

Click here to find out what our past participants have to say about the programme. If you would like to speak to any of our past participants personally, for a 'warts and all' discussion, we are happy to arrange an introduction.

Can I get in touch with past participants?

Yes. We are happy to arrange an introduction. Just contact us.

How does the one-to-one business coaching work?

You decide. The coaching will help you use your new knowledge in your business and make sure you follow through on your best intentions. Your coach arranges to meet with you mid way through and at the end of your programme, either at your business or our offices. Or you can have your coaching by email or by telephone. You choose the way, the time and the place that suits you best.

I like the idea of working with other businesses but what about confidentiality

We think this is really important too. So, at the start of each programme we ask every body to contribute an agreement of how we will work together and confidentiality is always a very important part of this agreement.

How many people are in each group?

We limit the number of people in any group to a maximum of twelve, which in our experience is just the number to make a powerful dynamic group. We always put a mix of types of businesses together and make sure that there are no potential competitors in the same group.

Will I have the opportunity to network with other participants while on the programme?

Absolutely. This is an important benefit of participating in the programme – you’ll make friends with the other participants - you’ll share your experiences, your triumphs and your challenges – you’ll support each other - you might even do businesses together.

Can I find out about the experts?

Of course. Click here to read about each of the experts who will help you transform your business.

How long does the programme last?

Approximately three months, and we always avoid holiday periods. Most sessions take place on Fridays and there is a residential weekend (Friday to Sunday lunchtime) at the start of the programme.

How do I put what I have learned into action in my business?

In each session there is a mixture of input from the expert and some carefully constructed practical exercises that you complete using your own business as the 'case study'. And then at the end of each session you consider what you have learned about your business and capture those all important insights in an action plan for you and your business. Our expert business coach will also be on hand to helpfully make sure you follow through on your best intentions.

Can more than one person from my company participate in the programme at the same time?

Yes. From experience, we know that some businesses might find it valuable for two key people to participate on the programme at the same time. Working on business challenges jointly can bring great advantages and accelerate the results within your business. If you book one place on the course (£2,995 + vat) you may book a second place for half price (£1,495 +vat).

Is there any financial support available to help with the cost?

There may be, depending on where your business is located and the size and type of business. We’re very happy to share our knowledge of funding support and even help you track funding down if it is important to you. For example, businesses in the West of Scotland that employ less than 250 people may be able to get a grant of up to 50% of the cost from their local council which means you will only pay £1,495 + vat. Call us and we’ll do our best to answer your questions and help you track down funding support.

Can I pay the fees in instalments?

Yes. You can pay by direct debit and spread the payments over several months.

Can I book on-line?

Sorry but no. As you will be part of a small, select group of business owners we think it is important that we talk to you first. If you want to find out more about The Business Map or how you can apply to attend, please contact Liz Metin (liz.metin@go.uk.com) or Raymond Brannan (raymond.brannan@go.uk.com) or call on 0845 606 6372 (Direct). You can contact us on-line by clicking here.

What if I can’t manage to attend one of the sessions?

We know that sometimes events take over and it may not be possible to attend a session. Should this happen to you, you can participate in the session you miss on another programme.

I’m not a business owner but I’d like to develop my business management skills - can I still participate?

Yes it is possible. If you are a director or manager you can focus on using the programme to help you improve the way you run your department or you might just want to broaden your management knowledge so you can contribute more fully to the management of your company. Participating in The Business Map is a great way to improve your skills and equip yourself with practical knowledge and skills that will help you in your career.

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