Businesses across Greater Manchester are already expanding into international markets through the International Scale Up Programme, with companies such as Masumi Headwear and Content Chemistry growing their presence overseas.
Applications are now open for Cohort 3, inviting a new group of ambitious companies to take their next step toward global growth.
Delivered in partnership by GM Business Growth Hub, the Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the fully funded programme provides coordinated, hands-on support for businesses looking to scale internationally.
Building on the momentum of earlier cohorts, the programme combines expert-led workshops with practical guidance on market entry, compliance, logistics, pricing and intellectual property. Businesses also benefit from tailored one-to-one support and introductions to international partners, helping them turn export plans into tangible results.
Cohort 3 will also benefit from an enhanced support model, with funded activity and specialist guidance available for up to 12 months. This extended support gives businesses the time and flexibility to embed and scale their international strategies.
For Manchester-based Masumi Headwear, exporting is central to its mission to support people experiencing medical hair loss worldwide. With around 40% of its turnover coming from overseas markets and expansion into regions including Europe, the United States and the Middle East, the company is continuing to grow internationally with the support of GM Business Growth Hub and the International Scale Up Programme.
“Your team’s guidance has helped us refine our strategy and overcome barriers to entry in new territories. We would 100% recommend the Hub to any business looking to grow,” said Ali Nowroozi, founder of Masumi Headwear.
Content Chemistry, a Cheadle Hulme-based video and animation studio working in healthcare and technical storytelling, is also building its international presence. With the US now accounting for 33% of its turnover, the company joined the programme at a key stage in its growth journey.
Director Garry Paton describes discovering the programme as “serendipitous,” giving the team access to expert support, peer networks and the tools needed to strengthen its international strategy.
Susana Córdoba (pictured), Head of International at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Across the first two cohorts, we’ve seen businesses move from ambition to action, identifying new markets, building international connections and developing the confidence to grow globally. What’s particularly encouraging is the shift from planning to delivery, with companies starting to embed internationalisation into their long-term growth strategies.
“Cohort 3 builds on that momentum. With enhanced support and a strong partnership behind it, the programme is helping businesses not only access global opportunities, but do so in a way that is practical, sustainable and commercially focused.”
Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, Director of Business Policy, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “What we see time and again is that businesses often face practical barriers when entering new markets, from documentation and compliance to navigating unfamiliar processes. This programme addresses those challenges head-on, giving businesses access to the right expertise at the right time.
“It is not just about opening doors to international markets but making sure businesses are fully prepared to succeed once they get there.”
Applications are now open, with places limited to a cohort of up to 25 businesses.