Gateshead tuition provider triples enrolments after Help to Grow: Management Course

A Gateshead-based entrepreneur, who created her own mindfulness-focused tuition business, has tripled enrolments after learning how to manage her team and find her unique selling point thanks to the Help to Grow: Management Course.

Kelly began her entrepreneurial journey as an in-home tutor and soon realised there was a need for a permanent, dedicated teaching space in her hometown. She went on to open her business, Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition, on Durham Road in Gateshead in 2020 and within six months had employed a second teacher and an apprentice due to increased demand.

Classes are aimed at primary and secondary school students and provide Maths, English and Science lessons via one-to-one tuition and small group sessions. The business has gone from supporting 30 students to now helping more than 150, and the waiting list is growing.

Unlike traditional learning, the tuition is bespoke to the student and addresses additional needs including anxiety, low confidence and self-esteem. Kelly also offers workshops on mindfulness and calming techniques ahead of exams.

While the business was growing, Kelly was aware she had never been in a management position or had responsibility for other employees, so needed support. She decided to enrol on a 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course, which is designed to help business leaders and senior managers to increase resilience, innovation, and growth within their organisations.

The course was delivered by Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, a recipient of the Small Business Charter that is awarded to institutions that support small businesses. Kelly completed the course equipped with the tools needed to make the changes to grow her business.

Since Kelly completed the Help to Grow: Management Course her business’ turnover has increased from £46,000 in 2021 to £180,000 this year. And there are plans in place to add a further full-time teacher, a part-time teacher, and a dyslexia assessor to support students during exam preparation.

Kelly Maxwell, founder of Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition, said: “Before I did the Help to Grow: Management Course I was spread thin and exhausted. I thought I had to do everything and assumed I would have to do 8am-10pm every day as the business owner.

“The course is the best thing I could have done. I’ve been able to transform the business and maximise the positive impact we’re having on students. Now we’re planning to expand the team even more and add a dyslexia assessor to our team to ensure the best care is being provided for our students.”

Kelly added: “The mentoring really brought everything together for me. I was able to discuss what I’d been taught and then plan how it could positively impact my business. I’m still in touch with my mentor and speak to my peer group regularly.”

Michael Hayman MBE, chair, small business charter, said: “Kelly has transformed her business and is providing a service that she’s passionate about and that’s meeting a vital need among young people in the Gateshead area.

“Our small business experts in each business school are able to share their own experiences in a way that’s designed to engage employees, target new customers, and create measurable and realistic business goals. Kelly has a brilliant business and we look forward to seeing how Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition continues to grow and support students.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.