Business development with the Help to Grow: Management course
Avni Sondagar is the Operations Director at Kiasa UK, who specialise in innovative infrared heating solutions. She joined the Help to Grow: Management course in 2025 to support her own growth and that of her business.
The course was developed by the Chartered Association of Business Schools, in collaboration with business schools across the UK, and is designed to support SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) leaders to develop their leadership skills and help their organisations to grow. In this blog, Avni reflects on her experience of the course and the impact that it has had on herself and her business.
Reasons for joining the course
I chose the Help to Grow: Management course because I wanted to strengthen my strategic leadership skills and ensure that the next phase of our business growth is structured, sustainable, and aligned with our vision. As our organisation has developed, I recognised the need to step back from day-to-day operations and focus more on strategy, scalability, and long-term planning.
The course offered exactly the mix of practical tools, academic insight, and peer-to-peer learning that I was looking for. I was particularly interested in the opportunity to apply the learnings directly to our business in real time, and to learn from other leaders who are experiencing similar challenges and ambitions.
Choosing Nottingham University Business School
I chose Nottingham University Business School because of its strong reputation for combining academic excellence with real-world business impact. The school has a long-standing record of supporting innovation, leadership development, and SME growth, which aligns closely with the stage our business is at.
I was also drawn to the quality of the teaching team and the course structure, which focuses on practical, actionable frameworks rather than purely theoretical learning. The university’s network and commitment to supporting business leaders in the region made it the ideal environment for learning, collaboration, and long-term professional development.
Course content
One of the most effective elements of the course was the combination of practical business frameworks with real-life application. The ability to immediately implement strategies into my business made the learning very relevant and impactful.
The peer-to-peer learning and discussions with other business leaders were also invaluable. Hearing how others approached growth, leadership, and operational challenges helped broaden my perspective and introduced new ways of thinking. The mentoring support added an additional layer of accountability and personalised guidance, which I found particularly powerful.
Course benefits
Personally, the course helped me step back from the day-to-day running of the business and view our growth strategy with greater clarity and structure. It strengthened my confidence as a leader and gave me tools to delegate more effectively, prioritise strategic decision-making, and create clearer long-term plans.
I also developed stronger communication and leadership skills, particularly in aligning teams behind a shared purpose and vision. The course encouraged me to think more strategically rather than reactively, which has already influenced how I approach new opportunities and challenges.
Impact of the course
The course has already had a meaningful impact on how we operate and plan for growth. One of the biggest shifts has been gaining the confidence and clarity to step back from working in the business and spend more time working on it. This change alone has opened up space for better decision-making, clearer planning, and more strategic thinking about the future direction of the company.
We’ve begun to apply several tools and frameworks from the course, particularly around understanding our customer journey, refining our value proposition, and identifying the most effective routes to market. This has helped us prioritise what will genuinely move the business forward rather than trying to do everything at once.
Another big benefit has been improving communication within the team. I now feel more equipped to share our long-term vision with more clarity, which has helped align everyone behind the same goals. This has already started to create a stronger sense of purpose and focus in how we work day-to-day.
Looking ahead, I anticipate the course will have a lasting influence on the way we grow. We now have a clearer strategic roadmap, a more confident leadership approach, and a better understanding of how to scale in a structured and sustainable way. I feel more prepared to lead the business through its next chapter with greater clarity, direction, and resilience.
Overall experience
Overall, my experience at Nottingham University Business School was extremely positive. The course struck a great balance between structured learning and open discussion, which made the sessions engaging and relevant. The lecturers and facilitators were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping us apply the learning to our own organisations and not just teaching theory.
What I appreciated most was the supportive and collaborative atmosphere. It was reassuring to be surrounded by other business leaders who are facing similar challenges and ambitions. The conversations, shared experiences, and encouragement made a huge difference and created a real sense of community. I left each session feeling energised, understood, and better equipped to move things forward.
I would also like to highlight the fantastic support provided by the admin team. They were always approachable, helpful, and made the whole experience seamless.
The speakers were another real strength of the course. Each one brought their real-life business experience into the sessions, which made the learning incredibly practical and relatable. Their insights went beyond theory, offering advice and examples that I could directly apply to my own business.
Overall, the combination of excellent support, inspiring speakers, and a collaborative peer environment made this course not only educational but also genuinely enjoyable.
Further information
Posted 29 January 2026
