6 Engineering

6 Engineering, an independent safety engineering consultancy for major hazard industries, enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management programme to develop a more structured approach to business growth and management. Having expanded from a single contractor to a 16-person team, the company needed to refine its internal processes, financial planning, and growth strategy. The programme provided Managing Director Nick Howard with key insights into structuring the business, setting financial KPIs, and planning for sustainable growth.

Challenge

6 Engineering had experienced rapid expansion, growing from a single-person consultancy to a team of 16 over five years. This success brought new challenges, particularly around structuring the business, financial planning, and management systems. The company recognised the need for a more structured approach to ensure future growth was strategic and sustainable. Managing Director Nick Howard, who had built the business on intuition, was keen to gain formal learning and practical guidance to support the next stage of growth.

Solution

Teesside University's Help to Grow: Management programme provided 6 Engineering with the tools and frameworks to refine its business operations. The 12-week course, delivered by industry experts and entrepreneurs, covered key topics including finance, business strategy, and customer engagement. Nick Howard particularly valued the financial aspects of the programme, which helped demystify financial planning and performance measurement. The mentoring support was also instrumental, offering an external perspective on structuring the business and identifying growth opportunities.

Impact

The programme has already led to significant improvements in 6 Engineering’s approach to business management:

· Refined business structure: The company has been restructuring its management systems to ensure they align with long-term growth goals.

· Improved financial strategy: Nick Howard gained a deeper understanding of financial planning and now applies structured financial analysis to business decisions.

· Strategic market identification: 6 Engineering is now more methodical in identifying new markets and marketing opportunities, ensuring sustainable expansion.

· Enhanced decision-making: The mentoring element of the programme provided invaluable guidance, helping the company approach internal and external processes with greater scrutiny and clarity.

By participating in the Help to Grow: Management programme, 6 Engineering has gained the expertise and confidence to scale its business with a clear, structured approach, ensuring continued success in the safety engineering industry.