The academy's first programme of courses launches this September and October, covering topics including AI, websites, SEO, LinkedIn, social media, leadership, recruitment, finance, presentation skills, video marketing, resilience and business growth.

The specialists will bring their own expertise to the academy to help tailor training to the real world of business.

Founder Darren Downes said: “The idea behind Speare Academy is simple.

“Too much business training leaves delegates with a notebook full of ideas but little time to put them into practice once they return to work.

“Speare Academy has been designed to change that so that people leave the course having applied what they learn to their business on that day.

“Numbers for each course are limited to enable delegates to get good, hands-on support as and when they need it throughout the course.”

Every course has been carefully developed by business owners and the focus is on the practical skills that owner-managed businesses need most.

Darren added: “Delegates are encouraged to bring their laptops and work on their own business during the day, so they leave having implemented real improvements rather than simply learning the theory. 

“We locate the courses at great venues, that are easy to reach, deliver a great lunch and we also allow time for networking, so delegates get a chance to meet like-minded business owners.”

Recognising that many business owners want to develop several areas of their business over time, Speare Academy is also introducing waiting lists for future course dates, allowing delegates to plan a longer-term learning journey and spread both the time commitment and investment across the year.

Darren said: "Small business owners don't need more theory – they need practical support that helps them improve their businesses immediately.

“We wanted to create something that's affordable, relevant and genuinely hands-on, where people leave at the end of the day having already made progress on their own business. That's what makes Speare Academy different."

Early bird discounts are currently available across the programme. For more information and to view the September and October programme, visit www.speareacademy.co.uk 

Picture copyright: Lorentz Gullachsen