Help to Grow - Meet our business leaders
Georgia Ettridge
Business Manager, Monty Miracle
Hi, my name is Georgia Ettridge, Business Manager at Monty Miracle and Help to Grow alumni.
At Huddersfield Business School, we have a diverse array of programmes available; all designed to enhance business growth and develop the skills of individuals within the organisation.
Tailored to cater to the needs of business leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), our Help to Grow Management programme is ideal for those aiming to elevate their business growth, strengthen resilience, and ensure sustained advancement. The comprehensive 12 module programme delves into a spectrum of modules including strategy and innovation, building a brand, efficient operations, winning new markets and internationalisation, and much more.
In this blog, we speak to Help to Grow alumni Georgia Ettridge, Business Manager at Monty Miracle. Georgia shares how the programme has already helped her implement valuable business insights, expand into new markets and create a more engaged, communicative team.
Why did you choose to take part in the Help to Grow programme?
I decided to take part in the Help to Grow programme after a recommendation from my stepdad, Peter Beaumont, who’s the director of Monty Miracle. I’d recently graduated in law and joined the family business, and with my legal background, I knew I needed to build my business skills and confidence.
I was eager to gain core business competencies and learn from others who had been in business for years. The opportunity to connect with other business leaders and build my network was also something that really stood out to me. I wanted to ensure I was making informed decisions that would benefit the business in the long run, so the Help to Grow programme seemed like the perfect fit.
Out of all the modules, which one stood out to you the most in terms of helping you and the business grow?
I can honestly say that every module had something valuable to offer, but the Strategies for Growth and Innovation module was particularly impactful for me. It really shifted my mindset on how to approach business growth. Instead of focusing solely on areas that needed improvement, the module helped me recognise the strengths we already had and showed me how we could build on them.
It made me realise that growth doesn’t always require drastic changes. Sometimes, it’s about fine-tuning what we already do well. It helped us look at new market opportunities while strengthening our current position, which has been really useful for the direction we’re heading in.
How do you plan to apply your learnings from the programme to improve your business processes?
Since completing the programme, I’ve already implemented several changes at Monty Miracle, all of which have been really positive. One of the biggest improvements has been in our approach to expanding into the North American market. Before the programme, this was completely new territory for us, and I wasn’t sure how to approach it. But the programme provided me with the tools to conduct thorough market research and develop a clear strategic plan for how we could replicate our UK success in a completely different market.
Another change we’ve made is implementing regular team meetings. Going through the customer service and employee-focused module made me realise that our team needed more support and clearer communication. By introducing these meetings, I’ve been able to create a more supportive and open environment where employees feel comfortable and know they have the resources they need.
Can you share any examples of how your business has benefited from the programme?
One of the most significant outcomes of the programme for us has been the expansion into North America. Thanks to the tools I learned during the programme, I’ve been able to step up and contribute in ways I didn’t think possible when I first joined the business. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our business grow into new markets and to know that I’m playing an active role in that expansion.
On top of that, the changes we’ve made internally; improving team communication and offering more support, have already made a noticeable difference. Employees are more comfortable, morale has improved, and I feel like we’re getting more out of our team. It’s been great to see them feeling more supported and motivated, which has helped drive the business forward.
What would you say to other business leaders considering joining the Help to Grow programme?
I’d say: do it! Whether you’re new to business like me or have been in it for years, the Help to Grow programme offers something valuable for everyone.
For someone like me, just starting out, it gave me the core skills and knowledge I needed to step confidently into a business management role. But for business leaders with more experience, the programme offers valuable fresh perspectives and a chance to revisit the fundamentals in a way that’s actionable and relevant to today’s challenges.
Have you kept in touch with anyone you met during the course?
Yes! I’ve connected with most of the people I met on the course through LinkedIn, and we’ve stayed in touch. It’s been great to continue those conversations and share ideas. It’s also been nice to connect with people in similar industries, as we’ve all faced similar challenges. I really enjoyed learning from people who were going through their own business growth journeys.
Joining the Help to Grow programme has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take Monty Miracle to new heights, from expanding into North America to improving our internal processes. The networking and peer support were invaluable, and I’m excited to continue applying everything I’ve learned to help grow the business.
I can't stress enough how valuable the networking opportunities were. The chance to connect with other business leaders, share challenges and learn from each other was almost as valuable as the structured learning itself.
To hear how leaders of small and medium-sized businesses across Calderdale, Kirklees and Huddersfield are achieving results through the Help to Grow Management programme at University of Huddersfield visit: https://www.hud.ac.uk/helptogrow/casestudies/