The Growth Hub and GFirst LEP are launching a new pilot scheme to help drive innovation within Gloucestershire's SME community.

Innovation Accelerator equips business leaders with the skills to embed innovation and change management within the culture of their business, in order to deliver sustainable growth.

Whether economically, technologically, or culturally - change is par for the course in business. The pandemic has forced business leaders' hand and required them to be more fluid and agile than before. The survivors have kept up with the pace. The thrivers have gone one step further.

Sarah Danson, director of strategic Growth for GFirst LEP, said: "We are looking for SME business leaders to take part in our pilot programme. This is a great opportunity to establish and advance the innovation mindset and change management skills required for growth.

"Through using our free online learning portal, you will discover practical and independent resources to develop innovation within your business. Providing unlimited, free access, the portal can help you and your employees build a suitable framework to fit your company's culture and product or service offering."

Covering idea generation, product and service development, commercialisation and automation, Innovation Accelerator will give business leaders everything they need to innovate within their business.

The free Innovation Accelerator programme is open to new and established businesses and will add value to businesses of all sizes.

Participants will start by completing the simple diagnostic questionnaire, which will record a baseline and provide recommendations for modules to complete based on business needs.

There is no set order, participants can pick and choose what and when to study. With the flexibility to work at their own pace, they will have free access to the online learning portal in a way that is right for them.

They will also be supported by innovation experts, Rod Horrocks and Paul Spenley, through drop-in webinars, to apply the knowledge they have learnt through the programme to their own business.

Rod Horrocks, delivery manager of Innovation Accelerator, said: "We will fully support leaders who take part in the pilot programme. You will be able to receive bespoke advice and one-to-one support.

"Your feedback is key. We want leaders to share their experience to help shape the content and delivery, before a major rollout of the programme to all SMEs across the county."

To find out more, visit: www.thegrowthhub.biz/Innovation-Accelerator and register your interest. The team will then provide login details and grant access to the Innovation Accelerator portal.

Participants can provide feedback to the team behind Innovation Accelerator via: innovation@thegrowthhub.biz.