Scale-up Scotland — a programme spearheaded by leading entrepreneur Bob Keiller — was officially launched last month in Aberdeen.

Designed to address Scotland’s business scale-up challenge and deliver economic growth, the programme has been created by Entrepreneurial Scotland in partnership with the Hunter Foundation and Scotland Can Do.

It aims to address the challenge of business growth by getting entrepreneurs to share their experiences and develop the necessary skills.

Focusing on cohort study and strong peer-to-peer learning opportunities, the programme has been designed so that participants can continue to run their businesses, committing just 1.5 days every eight weeks to attend a series of masterclasses.

Sandy Kennedy, chief executive of Entrepreneurial Scotland, said: “We know that, in comparison to other countries, not enough businesses in Scotland are scaling up.

“We also know that entrepreneurs want to learn from those that have been there and done it, and they are looking for practical tools that they can use in their own businesses.

“What makes Scale-up Scotland different is that it is business-led and delivered in an exciting and dynamic way that is appealing to entrepreneurs.”

Bob Keiller said: “Over the years, I’ve discovered tools and processes that work in business, and I am now able to pass that knowledge on and help other businesses find their own ‘eureka’ moment.

“If we can support entrepreneurs by sharing our own entrepreneurial experiences to stimulate their ambition, then we really will have an entrepreneurial Scotland.”

The 19 businesses already accepted onto the programme are in sectors including communications, technology, security, beauty, the care sector, digital, mobile, medical, construction, design and manufacturing.

They will need to demonstrate continual development of themselves and their organisation throughout the programme, which covers leadership, finance, building the right team, communications, sales and marketing, globalisation, crisis management and governance.

Further details of the programme and how to apply for future cohorts can be found at www.scaleupscotland.co.uk.