Welcome to NextGen
Empowering Staffordshire’s Start-Ups
NextGen exists to provide a range of innovative support programmes to start up & scaling businesses across the Staffordshire area, driving innovation & economic growth.
Whether you're just starting out or navigating the challenges of early growth, NextGen is here to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
Our mission is to collaborate with local authorities in up-skilling and growing businesses in their communities, empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable economic growth. We aim to inspire and lead the next generation of small businesses by delivering innovative, client-focused economic development programs grounded in passion, integrity, and community spirit.
Our Mission
Our Programmes
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Start Up Programme
Our Start Up programme is fully funded for businesses in Staffordshire. We provide a range of support including training, mentoring & networking opportunities.
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Get Started... and Grow
NextGen delivers the Digital Marketing & Social media aspect of Get Started & Grow, providing strategic workshops, accessible online guides & templates & marketing mentorship.
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Coaching & Mentoring
NextGen provides a range of coaching & mentoring options delivered by our seasoned business advisors to businesses in Staffordshire & beyond.
In addition to support programmes and coaching, for business owners who don’t have time to learn how to execute marketing, and simply want it done for them, we provide affordable done-for-you marketing services to get you off to a flying start.
Done for You Marketing Solutions
Our Mentors
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Kathryn Hyde - Managing Director
Kathryn has over 15 years marketing experience, including 4 running her own successful marketing agency. She was recognised on Management Today's 35 under 35 list for her work in empowering small business owners.
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Richard Carty - Business Advisor
Richard is a seasoned business coach specialising in networking and business development.
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Nic Cooper - The Balancer
CIMA Qualified Accountant with 34 years' experience, 23 in industry and 11 in my own business. Specialising in small businesses, particularly Limited Companies.
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Karen Kirby - GreenShoot HR
Karen is a qualified & experienced coach, helping small business owners to navigate the world of HR.
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Joanne Smith - Wordsmith Ltd
With a proven track record in securing successful bids for over a decade, Joanne is your trusted partner for all your bid & tender writing needs.
Testimonials
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Wendy Miller
“I have had one-to-one support from Kathryn and have found it invaluable. She is very supportive and has adapted her support to meet my needs. She is very knowledgeable in her field and has lots of tools at her disposal. Alongside the practical business support, Kathryn has also helped me with my mindset and has shown me where to best focus my energy in order to grow my business effectively.”
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Anna-Louise Powell
“Kathryn genuinely cared about my business and gave me a far more in depth dive into the progression of my business than I ever expected. Our conversations put me at ease around something I truly felt quite clueless about. I have a number of things to work on and can’t wait to go away and put it all into practice. I highly recommend getting in touch with Kathryn, even in our brief time together I learned SO much and am excited about the future.”
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Anthony Roscoe
“We had an intense workshop with Kathryn, in which we really examined who our target audience is, current and future opportunities and our expectations for a timeline. We’re really happy with the all the support we received. Kathryn is clearly an expert at what she does (we’re definitely not!) and we felt that she listened to what we had to say and created a plan with us.”
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Gayle Gardner-Shaw
“Kathryn significantly improved my business’s online presence and accessibility by providing practical guidance on various digital marketing aspects. Kathryn excelled in simplifying complex concepts, making the learning process smooth and productive. Her support has already made our business more accessible online, and I anticipate further benefits in the future. Kathryn’s support was comprehensive, delivered promptly, and her approachability and willingness to go the extra mile made the experience positive.”
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Richard Prince
"The best thing about the programme is how approachable Kathryn has been and always willing to help. She has pointed me in the right direction and reassured that I am doing a great job. I have felt that the programme is of such help to start ups I have already recommended it to other startup businesses. And I will continue to recommend anyone looks at what is available as starting up a business is no small task and as such any help is appreciated."
An inclusive approach
At NextGen, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every entrepreneur deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of background, ability or experience. As such, we are a signatory of the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship.
We are committed to adapting our programmes to meet you where you are at.
Please let us know what we can do to accomodate you.
Apply for a place on the Start Up Programme
For more information, or if you have any questions please get in touch with our customer service team using the contact details below.
info@thenextgen.co.uk
01785 526 010