AN EAST LANCASHIRE business coach is set to play a key role in helping businesses in the county fast-forward their recovery from coronavirus.

Businesses have a chance to tap into the Boost Success GPS Online programme of online coaching, which includes 14 interactive video coaching sessions to help businesses create a structure and vision for future growth.

The programme is a partnership between Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and Burnley-based business coach Andrew Henderson through his company Forward Thinking.

Fifty free places, funded by Lancashire County Council, are available for Lancashire businesses.

The programme is part of Boost’s #AskForHelp campaign, launched last month to support all Lancashire businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “The #AskForHelp campaign has provided invaluable support to help businesses tackle the challenges presented by coronavirus.

“We are here for clients throughout this journey. Many businesses have successfully adapted to these new conditions and now need to think about recovery. Forward Thinking has a great reputation and this is a service which has been used by hundreds of businesses.

“Boost Success GPS Online will help Lancashire companies tap into an established, successful model and develop a plan to succeed and grow over the next decade. We hope this collaboration will reach some businesses that have yet to hear that Boost is here to support and can bring more companies into the Boost family.”

Boost is led by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and the county council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The programme aims to help business owners to step back and think about their business, develop a clear focus, and create a framework for growth as well as improving their confidence.

Mr Henderson, business coach and founder of Forward Thinking, said: “The programme applies practical psychology to merge the process of growing a business with personal development for the business owner. It is focused on where you want to be in the future: increased revenue, profits and new customer wins.

“We have helped hundreds of businesses achieve success through this model and we’re excited to be working with Boost and Lancashire County Council to help businesses bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.”

The coaching programme will be accompanied by a range of tools including a business map and programme guide to help companies continue to benefit after they have completed the training sessions.

To apply go to www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/boost-success-gps-online-programme/