A clean energy company developing next-generation smart energy and sensing technologies has strengthened its commercial and leadership strategy at a pivotal stage of growth after completing the Help to Grow: Management programme.
Manchester-based SmOp Cleantech delivers smart energy solutions across industrial, commercial, public and domestic sectors. The business installs, operates and manages smart meters using low-carbon technologies, data and sustainability-led innovation to help accelerate progress towards the UK’s net zero carbon target by 2050.
Alongside operational delivery, SmOp Cleantech maintains a strong innovation agenda, developing embedded sensing and next-generation cleantech systems designed to translate advanced research into scalable, commercially deployable solutions.
As the business transitions from advanced R&D into commercialisation and IP filing, R&D Director Nurudeen ‘Kolawole’ Olasunkanmi joined the 12-week leadership programme, delivered by the University of Salford
“The programme arrived at a critical stage for us,” he said. “It offered highly practical insights into people management, value-for-money budgeting, and the adoption of AI in project and operational management.
“Peer group meetings were particularly valuable, providing fresh perspectives and external challenge. It was during these sessions that I gained key insights into people management, which I have already applied to enhance collaboration and performance across my teams. The mentorship component further helped me refine strategic decision-making during this pivotal phase of growth.”
Help to Grow: Management is designed to support SME leaders in strengthening productivity, leadership capability and long-term growth planning. Participants develop structured strategies for scaling operations, improving financial oversight and embedding digital tools, including AI, to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication
For SmOp Cleantech, the programme has reinforced the leadership capability required to move from innovation to market impact.
“Overall, the programme has strengthened my leadership capability, commercial awareness and management approach,” added Kolawole. “It has equipped me to lead SmOp Cleantech as we scale our innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor for Change Management at the University of Salford, said: “Kolawole is part of a cohort that has been a real pleasure to work with. The calibre of leadership, openness to challenge and willingness to reflect has been exceptional. Over the 12 weeks, we’ve seen participants move from firefighting to taking confident, informed decisions about how their businesses grow, lead their people and adopt new ways of working.
“If you are an SME leader looking for the space, support and challenge to work on your business, not just in it, I would strongly encourage you to join a future cohort.”
Help to Grow: Management is delivered through a national network of 64 accredited business schools, with the ambition to support 30,000 SMEs across the UK.
The 12-week, 50-hour programme is 90 per cent government-funded, reducing the cost to £750 per participant. On completion, leaders join a national alumni network for ongoing support and collaboration.
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