Top tips for scaling your small business – and the support to help you do it

Published: 30 September 2025

Scaling your business is an exciting step, but it comes with challenges. It’s not just about increasing turnover or hiring more people.

Sustainable scale-up means strengthening your systems, building the right team, improving efficiency and finding new markets. Here are six key areas to focus on, along with some of the funded support available to help you make it happen.

1. Build your investment readiness

Before you can scale, you need to understand what growth looks like for your business, and what it will take to fund it. Whether you’re looking for a loan, grant, or equity investment, it’s important to get your financials in shape and be able to clearly articulate your growth plan.

That includes knowing your numbers, your value proposition, and what return an investor or funder can expect.

If you’re not quite sure where to start with funding or finance, support is available to guide you through your options and get you pitch-ready.

Relevant support:

Investment Readiness Programme – expert guidance on preparing for finance, building investor confidence, and identifying the right funding route.
Search for Finance – find finance options on our impartial, obligation-free search platform.

2. Structure your team and streamline your operations

As businesses grow, it’s easy for roles to blur and systems to creak. Scaling successfully means having clearly defined roles, repeatable processes, and the systems in place to manage increased demand.

That might mean updating your CRM, automating manual tasks, or restructuring your team so the right people are doing the right things.

Getting your operations right not only improves efficiency, but also boosts morale. People thrive when they know what’s expected of them and feel equipped to deliver.

Relevant support:

Skills for Growth – support to upskill existing staff or find new talent to support expansion.
Thrive at Work – supports you to build a healthy, high-performing workplace culture that supports long-term retention.

3. Explore new markets and revenue streams

To scale effectively, most businesses will need to find new customers, whether by entering new geographic markets, launching new products, or adapting their offer to suit different sectors. But growth can be risky if it’s not backed by research and tested in stages.

Market testing, competitor analysis, and customer insight will help you refine your offer and avoid expensive missteps. And if you're considering export, there’s expert help to get you started.

Relevant support:

Export Support Programme – helps West Midlands businesses understand export requirements, access new markets, and grow internationally.
Supply Chain Transition Programme – free support for businesses to enter emerging new markets.

4. Boost productivity and reduce risk

Scaling a business means doing more without costs rising at the same pace. That means improving productivity, whether by cutting waste, digitising processes, or reducing your energy bills. Reducing operational risk also becomes more important as you grow, especially if you're taking on more customers, staff, or sites.

Even small improvements in efficiency can add up to big savings, and help make your growth more sustainable and resilient.

Relevant support:

Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) – free assessments and funding options to improve energy efficiency and reduce bills.
Innovation Hubs – Innovation support in digital technology, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and cybersecurity.

6. Keep a growth mindset

Finally, remember that scaling isn’t a one-off event—it’s a continuous process. Regularly reviewing your progress, learning from your data, and being willing to adapt your approach are all essential. Successful scaling comes from a willingness to test, refine and repeat.

Stay curious, stay open to feedback, and surround yourself with good advice. Whether it’s a peer network, a coach, or a funded support programme, having the right people around you can make all the difference.

Relevant support:

Business Growth West Midlands webinars – covering a range of practical topics from digital marketing to financial planning and leadership.
Tailored one-to-one support from a Business Adviser – get a fresh perspective on your growth plans and help navigating the right support.