Great technology starts companies. Great leadership scales them.
The UK has exceptional talent commercialising disruptive technologies. But growing a startup into a scaling SME requires a distinct skillset, one that most founders have not been given the space or support to develop. We exist to close that gap
If you are a founder or C-suite leader preparing to scale a UK-based deep tech SME, Shott Scale Up Accelerator aims to support you to reach your full potential.
The Shott Scale Up Accelerator is funded by DSIT and Ian Shott CBE FREng, a highly successful entrepreneur, who has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the Enterprise Hub since its inception in 2013. Ian believes “Supporting the growth of a dynamic, home-grown SME sector is vital to UK economic recovery and is delighted to be able to support a new generation of entrepreneurial engineers to scale their businesses and succeed.”
We believe connections should be built to last, so participants can expect a lifetime of support through connection to an exceptional community of engineers and innovators, mentors, coaches and over 500 Enterprise Hub Members and Academy Fellows
All support is at no cost to you or your company, we do not take equity or charge fees.
Our impact
We've supported 18 cohorts of deep tech and engineering leaders to initiate real business growth, including the creation of more than 1,500 jobs, as well as 14 company acquisitions.
leaders of high growth SMEs
raised in further investment
jobs created
in combined company valuations today
What does this programme offer?
We support leaders with a unique package of funding and training over nine months:
- Tailored peer learning with a small cohort of deep tech leaders
- Growth skills practical in-person workshops and 1:1 coaching
- Business mentor carefully matched, from our unrivalled network of the UK’s leading engineers in industry
- £10,000 grant to pay for leadership courses anywhere in the world
- Access to our 100+ investor network
- Network opportunity expanded investor and industry access
- Lifetime access to our co-working and meeting room spaces in London, Belfast, Swansea, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool and Sheffield.
Key growth areas
The focus of our growth training programme will be on the following six key areas:
- People and culture
- Good governance
- Customer acquisition
- Product and service development
- Securing growth capital
- Access to new markets
These modules reflect fundamental growth barriers facing leaders today, each module includes workshops led by subject experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, as well as individual practical "surgeries" with the trainers.
Who is the programme for?
Ambitious senior leaders
- Founders and C-suite leaders of deep tech or engineering UK SMEs
- Ambition to build a £100 million+ company in the UK
High-growth potential companies
- At least 10 employees
- Raised £1m+ funding or equivalent traction
- Evidence of product - market fit
- UK registered
Your journey
Growth Training
Up to 35 hours of scaling essentials with fellow tech leaders
Coaching
Monthly 1.5-hour 1:1 sessions with a leadership coach for 6 months
Mentoring
Monthly 1:1 mentoring from top UK industry engineers
Leadership Course
Receive up to £10k to pursue leadership training globally
Shott Scale Up Accelerator is officially endorsed by the ScaleUp Institute. This programme is made possible by funding from Ian Shott CBE FREng and the UK Government Department for Science, Innovation and Technology:
