--- title: Business Growth Blog (4) description: Business Growth Blog, giving insight to owner-managers and entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses. Powered by the Cranfield School of Management Business Growth Programme (BGP) (4) --- [![School of Management Logo](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LD_Blog_Live_Site_Files/logo-som.png?width=580&name=logo-som.png "School of Management Logo")](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk) - Blog Topics - [Business Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/topic/business-growth-challenges) - [Family Business & Succession](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/topic/succession) - [Not-for-Profit Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/topic/not-for-profit) - [All Blogs](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog) - Learning - [The Business Growth Programme](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/growing-businesses/business-growth-programme) - [Essential Management](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/growing-businesses/essential-management) - [Sales Essentials](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/growing-businesses/sales-essentials-for-success) - [Finance Fundamentals](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/growing-businesses/finance-fundamentals-for-growing-businesses) - [Masterclass: Selling Your Business](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/growing-businesses/selling-your-business-masterclass) - More - [Contact](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-contact) - [SUBSCRIBE](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-home#sub-form) [Subscribe](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-home#sub-form) - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 Quick links [Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/business-growth-challenges) [Family & Succession](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/succession) [Not-for-Profit](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/not-for-profit) [About](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-about) Hit enter to seach. ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/LD_Blog_Live_Site_Files/Images/logo-responsive.svg) # Business Growth Programme # Succession Challenges # Not-for-Profit # All Blogs [Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/business-growth-challenges) [Family & Succession](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/succession) [Not-for-Profit](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/not-for-profit) [All](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Returning to the workplace - an HR guide - 14 May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/returning-to-the-workplace-an-hr-guide-14th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - How COVID-19 has impacted my business - 12 May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-how-covid-19-has-impacted-my-business-12th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - Where are we with this crisis? - 7th May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-where-are-we-with-this-crisis-7th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - Key Lessons from Webinars in April - 5th May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-key-lessons-from-webinars-in-april-5th-ma) Register for one of our FREE Business Growth Briefings.  [Register Now](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/ld-blog/free-business-growth-briefing) ![ebook-placeholder.jpg](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Brochures/BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png?width=554&name=BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png "ebook-placeholder.jpg") **Download the BGP Brochure** This programme helps ambitious owner-managers, like yourself, who are looking to create a different and better future for themselves and their business. [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a) FEATURED [BGP Alumni Enjoy Massive Success at the National Business Awards **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/bgp-alumni-enjoy-massive-success-at-the-national-business-awards) Register for one of our FREE Business Growth Briefings [Learn More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/ld-blog/free-business-growth-briefing) ![brochure.jpg](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Brochures/BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png?width=554&name=BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png "brochure.jpg") **Download the BGP Brochure** This programme helps ambitious owner-managers, like yourself, who are looking to create a different and better future for themselves and their business. [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a) Register for one of our FREE Business Growth Briefings [Learn More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/ld-blog/free-business-growth-briefing) ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Brochures/BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png?width=554&name=BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png) **Download the BGP Brochure** This programme helps ambitious owner-managers, like yourself, who are looking to create a different and better future for themselves and their business. [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Returning to the workplace - an HR guide - 14 May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/returning-to-the-workplace-an-hr-guide-14th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - How COVID-19 has impacted my business - 12 May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-how-covid-19-has-impacted-my-business-12th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - Where are we with this crisis? - 7th May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-where-are-we-with-this-crisis-7th-may) FEATURED [WEBINAR ON DEMAND | Taking Stock - Key Lessons from Webinars in April - 5th May **Read More**](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/taking-stock-key-lessons-from-webinars-in-april-5th-ma) Register for one of our FREE Business Growth Briefings. [Learn More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/ld-blog/free-business-growth-briefing) [![ebook-placeholder.jpg](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Brochures/BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png?width=554&name=BGP_Brochure_Cover_Image-785650-edited.png "ebook-placeholder.jpg")](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/Cranfield_Live_Site_Files/CF_Live_Images/ebook-placeholder.jpg) **Download the BGP Brochure** This programme helps ambitious owner-managers, like yourself, who are looking to create a different and better future for themselves and their business. [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/d6dc5788-a72b-474d-b2bc-40feeb4d3b9a) ## [Jamie Waller: The Journey of an Entrepreneur](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/blog/jamie-waller-the-journey-of-an-entrepreneur) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/for%20stills.00_03_27_13.Still004-775621-edited.jpg) #### Jamie Waller is, without doubt, a very successful entrepreneur, but he was not gifted this success, he fought for it and he fought hard! [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/blog/jamie-waller-the-journey-of-an-entrepreneur) ## [It is Not Luck that Drives Entrepreneurs - It's Timing](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/it-is-not-luck-that-drives-entrepreneurs-its-timing) By Dr Shai Vyakarnam ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/Blog_Images/cranfield-blog-timing-not-luck.jpg) ### When should we attempt to enter the market? When can we start to talk about our ideas? And who else is doing the same thing? [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/it-is-not-luck-that-drives-entrepreneurs-its-timing) ## [Knowing When to Take a Step Back](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/knowing-when-to-take-a-step-back) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/BGP-step-back-crop.jpg) #### It's often difficult for an entrepreneur to know the right time to hand over the reins of their company. [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/knowing-when-to-take-a-step-back) ## [3 Top Tips For Selling a Business](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/blog/3-top-tips-for-selling-a-business) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/Jamie%20Waller%20-%203%20Top%20Tips%20For%20Selling%20Your%20Business.jpg) ### Jamie Waller has been there and done it, when he joined the Business Growth Programme in 2010, his business was turning over £4m and losing £400k per year. In 2016, Jamie sold that business for over £40m! [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/blog/3-top-tips-for-selling-a-business) ## [5 Wellbeing Practices to Keep Your Employees on Top Form](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/5-wellbeing-practices-to-keep-your-employees-on-top-form) By Dr Veronica Burke ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/work-funpexels-photo-515169-580701-edited.jpeg) ### **How can we actively sustain our personal performance at work?** #### Looking after our physical selves at work has never been so important. At any level of the business, being overworked, **receiving a** lack of managerial support (above and below), plus constant change create ideal circumstances for pressure and ultimately, burnout. The picture is not improving either. The rates of work related stress in the UK have remained flat for over a decade (HSE 2016). Long working hours continue to be associated... [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/5-wellbeing-practices-to-keep-your-employees-on-top-form) ## [Business Growth Programme: In Their Own Words](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/business-growth-programme-in-their-own-words) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/microphone%20-speak-audio-2941753-757579-edited-813746-edited.jpg) #### Every business is different and enjoys a distinct journey - past and future. Furthermore, each business owner or manager is different and will undertake a personal growth journey specific to them. Here are 8 lessons BGP delegates have learnt about themselves and about their business on the programme - in their own, unedited words... [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/business-growth-programme-in-their-own-words) ## [Letting New Hands Take the Helm](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/letting-new-hands-take-the-helm) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/Blog_Images/cranfield-blog-succession-planning-marriages.jpg) ### The challenge of handing on the baton to the next generation has not become any easier. With family businesses still accounting for 70-95% of the commercial enterprises in most countries, just 30% of EU-based family businesses survive to the next generation (according to trade association European Family Businesses). This is fairly consistent across the developed world, which means, statistically, just 1% will progress from the fourth to fifth generation. [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/letting-new-hands-take-the-helm) ## [Four proven strategies for entrepreneurial success](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/proven-strategies-for-entrepreneurial-success) By Team BGP ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/Blog_Images/cranfield-blog-strategies-for-entrepreneurial-success.jpg) More than half of business start-ups fail after four to five years, and of those that survive only around 4% become successful. One of the aspects that distinguishes these entrepreneurs from the competition is their approach to strategy. Successful entrepreneurs tend to embrace rather than reject corporate strategies, and they will often trade off or tone down brash entrepreneurial behaviour for a more civilised approach. This results in a strategy with a winning formula for entrepreneurs and... [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/proven-strategies-for-entrepreneurial-success) ## [CEO Today Interview BGP Alumni Geeta Sidhu-Robb, Founder of Nosh Detox](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/ceo-today-geeta-sidhu-robb-nosh-detox-interview) By Matt Puttick ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Testimonials/Geeta%20Sidhu%20-%20BGP.jpg) ## Geeta Sidhu-Robb is a true inspiration for any budding entreprenuers out there, we first met Geeta in 2013 when she completed the Business Growth Programme and we are proud to have played a part in her entrpeneurial journey so far. [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/ceo-today-geeta-sidhu-robb-nosh-detox-interview) ## [The Lemon - a humble piece of fruit or a deadly marketing tool?](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/the-lemon-a-humble-piece-of-fruit-or-a-deadly-marketing-tool) By Carol Foussat ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/kaboompics_Fresh%20lemons-748950-edited.jpg) ## I’m delighted to share with you a phrase that we often use on the Business Growth Programme (BGP) – squeezing the lemon! [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/the-lemon-a-humble-piece-of-fruit-or-a-deadly-marketing-tool) ## [Going "back to school" pays off for these Directors](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/going-back-to-school-pays-off-for-these-directors) By Guest Blog ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/Woodway%20UK.jpg) (Image courtesy of [www.allthingsbusiness.co.uk](http://www.allthingsbusiness.co.uk)) [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/going-back-to-school-pays-off-for-these-directors) ## [What is VUCA Orientation and why is it critical to Business Growth?](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/what-is-vuca-and-why-is-it-critical-to-business-growth) By Matt Puttick ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/VUCA%20Chalk%20Board.jpg) [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/what-is-vuca-and-why-is-it-critical-to-business-growth) ## [Business Schools for Entrepreneurs](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/business-schools-for-entrepreneurs) By Guest Blog ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/mba-preview-day-774175-edited.jpg) #### Over my career I have taken business courses at Cranfield University, Stanford University and the London Business School (LBS). In my opinion only one of them truly understood early stage business and the leadership credentials it takes to run one. That was Cranfield. I am not saying that Stanford and LBS were not excellent schools but they were almost entirely run by academics and attended by academic business people too. [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/business-schools-for-entrepreneurs) ## [Double Awards Success for 2015 BGP Business, Almeda](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/double-awards-success-for-2015-bgp-business-almeda) By Matt Puttick ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/National%20Family%20Awards%20THE-SOUTH-WEST%20REGIONAL-WINNER.jpg) ### Almeda scoop double awards at the prestigious National Family Business Awards 2017! [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/double-awards-success-for-2015-bgp-business-almeda) ## [This simple tool can boost your LinkedIn profile views by 1000%!](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/boost-your-linkedin-profile-using-this-tool) By Matt Puttick ![](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/hubfs/BGP%20Blog/BGP%20Images/Blog%20Post%20Images/linked-in-2668692_1280.png) ### 1000% sounds like a lot, and to be honest I wouldn't want to prove it, but there is research out there to suggest it's true and considering it will only take you two minutes to implement, it's got to be worth a try. [Read More](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/boost-your-linkedin-profile-using-this-tool) [0](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/page/0) 7 [\<\< First](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/page/1) [Last \>\>](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog/page/6) ### Subscribe for content updates [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe) [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe) [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe) [![BGP Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/417879/a5d52cdd-b804-4704-80b1-ae7626ca6ebe) Filter Our Blog by Topic [Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/business-growth-challenges) [Family & Succession](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/succession) [Not-for-Profit](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/not-for-profit) [All](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog) [About](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-about)[Growth](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/business-growth-challenges) [Contact](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-contact)[Succession](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/succession) [Subscribe](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgp-blog-home#sub-form)[Not-for-Profit](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/blog/topic/not-for-profit) [All Blog](https://blog.som.cranfield.ac.uk/bgpblog)[Cranfield](http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/) © 2026 Cranfield University | [Privacy Policy](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/privacy-policy)