KPMG UK has kickstarted a 12-month programme at its central Manchester HQ at One St Peter's Square to help "supercharge the growth" of some of the UK's most innovative scale-up businesses.

A cohort of 15 firms will embark on the new KPMG Access programme, from Wigan agritech innovator Redag to Salford manufacturer Mymanu.

The initiative is designed to support high potential businesses on their growth journey with insights, knowledge and a robust peer and adviser network.

Founders and senior managers of the cohort will be supported by monthly masterclasses on business fundamentals such as leadership and resilience, governance and building effective boards, ESG strategy and reporting and international growth.

Amy Burnett, head of KPMG private enterprise access, said: 

"This is an exciting, access-all-areas opportunity for a carefully selected supergroup of UK innovators to gain unrivalled support during a critical phase of their growth journey.

"These are the businesses that hold the potential to make major breakthroughs in their respective sectors, with some holding answers to key societal challenges in healthcare and Net Zero.”

"Backing them with a comprehensive programme will help them to make their vision a success."

Businesses were selected for participation by the board of KPMG Acceleris, the growth advisory arm of KPMG, which provides fundraising and advisory services to entrepreneurs in the UK and internationally.

KPMG Emerging Giants' Jill Hilton will act as the Access cohort lead.