Established Business Owners
Build relationships, share experience, gain new perspectives and discover opportunities for referrals, collaboration and continued growth.
SKILLS 2 GROW
Skills 2 Grow Business Community
Join Your LocalSkills 2 Grow Business Community
Whether you already own a business, are thinking about starting one, have an idea you would like to discuss or simply want to learn more about business, Skills 2 Grow brings together ambitious people who support one another, share experience and grow together.
£10
per month
First month free · Cancel anytime
No long-term contract or commitment.
Your Membership Includes
✓Premium Business Listing in the Skills 2 Grow Business Directory (normally £25/month)
✓Priority referrals when businesses ask us for recommendations
✓Ongoing support through your local Skills 2 Grow WhatsApp Business Community
✓Advice and different perspectives from aspiring and established entrepreneurs
✓Opportunities for recommendations and trusted connections
✓Use of the Skills 2 Grow Registered Business badge
✓Automatically entered for consideration in the annual Skills 2 Grow Business Awards
✓Mentions of your business in Skills 2 Grow articles throughout the year
✓Free access to 50+ business courses with 2026 content and 5 new courses added monthly
✓50% off the Mental Wellbeing Package — £100 £50
✓£10 off each mobile massage booking through our network of therapists, subject to availability
✓Free access to Skills 2 Grow business workshops
A Place for Every Stage
Who Is This Community For?
You do not need to have everything figured out before joining. The community welcomes people who are already trading, just getting started, exploring an idea or simply interested in learning how business works.
New Businesses
Avoid costly mistakes, build confidence and gain practical support while creating strong foundations for your new business.
Future Entrepreneurs
Have an idea or feel unhappy in your current job? Discuss your options, test your thinking and learn from people who have already taken the leap.
People Who Want to Learn
You do not need to own a business. Join to learn about entrepreneurship, develop useful skills and become more confident about your future.
Practical Business Conversations
What Will We Talk About?
The community covers the everyday subjects that matter when starting, running and growing a business.
Marketing
Websites
SEO
Google Business Profile
Advertising
Branding & Design
Pricing
Sales
Customer Psychology
Tax
Expenses
Finding Clients
Referrals
Social Media
AI & Productivity
Business Ideas
Leadership
Business Growth
What You Receive
Everything Included With Your Membership.
Your membership combines practical learning, local community support, business visibility, professional recognition and valuable connections for only £10 per month.
01
Premium Business Listing
Receive a premium listing in the Skills 2 Grow Business Directory, normally priced at £25 per month.
02
Priority Business Referrals
Members receive priority consideration when businesses or customers ask Skills 2 Grow for recommendations.
03
Ongoing WhatsApp Support
Access ongoing support and advice through your local WhatsApp Business Community.
04
Registered Business Badge
Use the Skills 2 Grow Registered Business badge while your membership remains active and approved.
05
Annual Business Awards
Active members are automatically entered for consideration in the annual Skills 2 Grow Business Awards, subject to the published awards criteria.
06
Business Article Mentions
Your business may be mentioned in relevant Skills 2 Grow articles throughout the year.
07
Practical Business Support
Ask questions, discuss challenges and receive practical ideas from people with real-world experience.
08
Trusted Connections
Build genuine professional relationships and create opportunities for recommendations and collaboration.
09
Free Business Courses
Get free member access to 50+ practical business courses, including Marketing, Advertising and Customer Psychology, with content updated for 2026 and 5 new courses added every month.
10
Mental Wellbeing Saving
Members receive 50% off the Skills 2 Grow Mental Wellbeing Package: £100 £50.
11
Mobile Massage Saving
Receive £10 off each mobile massage booking made through our network of therapists. Subject to therapist and location availability.
12
Free Exclusive Workshops
Receive free access to exclusive Skills 2 Grow business workshops.
13
Shared Ideas and Knowledge
Discover useful approaches that can help your business remain competitive and continue growing.
Award Presentation Example
Example Winner Certificate and Glass Award
This image shows an example of the certificate and glass award that may be presented to a selected Skills 2 Grow Business Awards winner.
Active members are automatically considered for the annual awards, subject to the published awards criteria. Award categories, designs, wording and presentation may vary. View the Business Awards.
Example shown: Mobile Massage Oxfordshire — Excellence in Customer Service.
⭐ Trusted by Local Businesses
Rated 5 Stars by Real Businesses
Every testimonial on the Skills 2 Grow website comes from a genuine business that has worked with Julian. Unlike anonymous online reviews, each recommendation is supported by a real business, a genuine business owner and an established online presence.
✓Genuine 5-star reviews
✓Real business owners
✓Business references available
✓Proven business case studies
✓Practical results, not theory
15+ YearsBusiness and leadership experience
30+Professional qualifications
PracticalAdvice based on real businesses
ProvenPortfolio of genuine case studies
SYNOLOS
★★★★★
Synolos
Supporting young people, families and communities
“
I cannot thank Julian enough for the support he has given Synolos over the years.
Julian has been a consistent and valued supporter of our work with young people living with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as our wider work within mental health. He has generously helped us promote our activities, opportunities and events, enabling our information to reach a much wider audience.
What we have particularly appreciated is the ease with which we have been able to communicate with Julian. Our conversations have always been positive, constructive and encouraging, and he has shown a genuine interest in the work we do and in the young people, families and communities we support.
As a social enterprise, visibility and strong local connections are incredibly important. The contacts, relationships and opportunities we have gained through Julian’s support have been invaluable to our development and to the continuation of our work across SEND and mental health.
His encouragement, generosity and commitment to supporting local organisations have made a real and lasting difference to us, and I know they have made the same difference to many others.
★★★★★
The Nose Knows
Business growth through visibility and local connections
“
I cannot recommend Julian highly enough.
When I started building my business, Julian was instrumental in helping me reach a much wider audience and played a huge part in the growth and success I have achieved in such a short space of time.
However, what I value most is not just the reach, visibility and opportunities that came from his support; it is the genuine professional relationship we have built along the way.
Julian has consistently offered guidance, encouragement and support that has gone far beyond simply promoting a business. His understanding of local communities, how to connect with the right audience and his willingness to help have been invaluable.
I am incredibly grateful for the exposure and growth he has helped me achieve, but even more grateful for the trust and professional relationship we have developed.
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to reach a targeted audience and grow your presence, I can think of no better person to speak to than Julian. His expertise, approachability and genuine passion for helping local businesses succeed make him a fantastic person to have in your corner.
Real Questions. Practical Support.
The Kind of Support You Can Expect
Running a business can sometimes feel overwhelming. Members can ask questions, discuss ideas and receive honest guidance directly from Julian, alongside different perspectives, ideas and recommendations from aspiring and established entrepreneurs within their local Skills 2 Grow community group.
Sometimes you need experienced guidance. Other times, hearing how another business owner approached the same challenge can be just as valuable.
Member questionWhat is one change that helped your business appear higher on Google?
Community supportStart with a complete Google Business Profile, strong internal links, useful local pages and content that clearly shows Google what you do and where you work.
Member questionA customer says they have found someone cheaper. Should I reduce my price?
Community supportNot automatically. Explain the value behind your service: reliability, experience, communication, quality and aftercare.
Recognition and Encouragement
Celebrating Every Step of Your Journey
Success is not one big moment. It is a collection of decisions, brave firsts and steady progress. In our community, the milestones that matter to you matter to us too.
✦Starting your businessTurning an idea into something real deserves to be celebrated.
★Your first customerThat first person choosing your business is a milestone you never forget.
↑Your first saleA small transaction can be the beginning of something much bigger.
◆Launching your websiteYour idea becomes visible, searchable and ready to reach new people.
★Receiving a five-star reviewRecognition from a happy customer is worth stopping to appreciate.
✓Completing a qualificationInvesting in your knowledge strengthens both you and your business.
◇A business anniversaryConsistency, resilience and another year of progress all count.
♛Awards and major milestonesWhen the bigger moments arrive, your community is there to celebrate them.
Registered Business RecognitionBecome a Registered Business
Use the Official Skills 2 Grow Registered Business Badge
Active approved members receive use of the Skills 2 Grow Registered Business badge for their website and selected promotional materials.
The badge shows that your business is part of the Skills 2 Grow Business Community and demonstrates a commitment to learning, development and continuous improvement.
✓Use of the Skills 2 Grow Registered Business badge
✓Shows commitment to learning and development
✓Suitable for websites and selected promotional materials
✓Badge use remains subject to active membership and approval
Included Member Benefit
Free Access to Skills 2 Grow Business Workshops
Active community members receive free access to exclusive Skills 2 Grow business workshops covering practical topics designed to support business development and professional growth.
Workshops are included as part of your active £10 monthly membership, subject to availability and the terms of the individual workshop.
Join for Free Workshop AccessBusiness Is Better Together
You Do Not Have to Figure Everything Out Alone
Sometimes a short conversation can save weeks of frustration. Another member may have already faced the same challenge, tested the same idea or found a solution that could help you move forward.
Skills 2 Grow Membership
Join the Skills 2 Grow Community
Join the Business Community
£10 / month
First month free · Cancel anytime
One simple membership with practical business support, learning, visibility, recognition and member benefits.
✓Premium Business Listing in the Skills 2 Grow Business Directory
✓Priority referrals when businesses ask us for recommendations
✓Ongoing support and advice via your local WhatsApp Business Community
✓Advice, shared knowledge and trusted business connections
✓Use of the Skills 2 Grow Registered Business badge
✓Automatic entry for consideration in the annual Skills 2 Grow Business Awards
✓Mentions in Skills 2 Grow articles throughout the year
✓Free access to 50+ business courses with 2026 content and 5 new courses added monthly
✓50% off the Mental Wellbeing Package — £100 £50
✓£10 off each mobile massage booking through our therapist network, subject to availability
✓Free access to Skills 2 Grow business workshops
✓Cancel your monthly membership at any time
Applications may be reviewed before membership and badge use are approved. No long-term contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Membership
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about joining the Skills 2 Grow Business Community.
What is included in the £10 monthly membership?
Membership includes a premium directory listing, priority referral consideration, community support, approved badge use, Business Awards consideration, article mentions, 50+ business courses, wellbeing and mobile massage savings, and member workshops.
Is the first month free?
Yes. Your first month is free, then membership is £10 per month. You can cancel at any time.
Are the business courses included?
Yes. Active members receive free access to 50+ practical business courses, including Marketing, Advertising and Customer Psychology. Content is updated for 2026 and 5 new courses are added monthly. View the business courses.
What member wellbeing and massage savings are included?
Active members receive 50% off the Skills 2 Grow Mental Wellbeing Package, reducing the price from £100 to £50, plus £10 off each mobile massage booking made through our network of therapists. Mobile massage bookings are subject to therapist and location availability.
Is there a long-term contract?
No. Membership is charged monthly and can be cancelled at any time.
Does every member receive the Registered Business badge?
The badge is supplied to approved active members and may be withdrawn when membership ends or requirements are no longer met.
What does the Registered Business badge represent?
It shows active community membership and a commitment to learning and development. It is not a financial, legal or regulatory accreditation.
Are the business workshops free for members?
Yes, subject to availability and the terms of each workshop.
Does membership guarantee referrals or customers?
No. Members receive priority consideration, but referrals, enquiries and customers are not guaranteed.
Will my business definitely be mentioned in an article?
Mentions depend on relevance, subject matter and available publishing opportunities.
How does entry into the Business Awards work?
Active members are automatically considered. Entry does not guarantee nomination, finalist status or an award.
Can I join if I do not have a business yet?
Yes. The community also welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs and people who want to learn more about business.
Can any type of business join?
Membership is open to many legitimate businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Applications may be reviewed to protect the community.
Join the Skills 2 Grow Community
Where Could You Be 12 Months From Now?
Whether you are growing an established business, planning your first venture or simply exploring an idea, Skills 2 Grow is a place to learn, build relationships and grow alongside people who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
