In the first two articles of this series, we explored why South Yorkshire is well positioned for transformational growth and who’s backing it. But as capital becomes more accessible and ambition grows, another challenge is emerging: how to scale effectively.

Because starting up is one thing; scaling up is something else entirely.

While the startup ecosystem in South Yorkshire is gaining ground, many founders tell us that once they raise investment and validate their product, they find themselves hitting a wall. The energy, agility and creativity that fuelled early traction can only take a business so far. To build something enduring, founders need more than just capital.

They need operational support. Strategic clarity. And leadership experience that matches their ambition.

What scaling really requires

The transition from early stage to growth stage demands a different kind of support structure and often, a different mindset. Some of the most common challenges we hear from high-growth founders include:

• Building out senior teams while staying commercially focused
• Creating scalable processes without losing pace
• Moving from “founder-led everything” to a business that can run independently
• Hiring leaders who understand growth but also align culturally and regionally

This is where the right people make the biggest difference, not only as employees, but as strategic partners, fractional advisors, or NEDs. South Yorkshire has the talent, but it isn’t always visible or connected in the right ways.

Who’s helping founders grow?

There’s encouraging movement here. We’re seeing more Chairs, board advisors and fractional operators stepping into South Yorkshire’s scaling businesses, bringing with them the pattern recognition, network and empathy that help founders avoid common pitfalls.

“At the scale-up stage, founders don’t just need a conventional Chair, they need a strategic partner with lived experience of driving growth, the governance expertise to bring clarity and focus, and the credibility to keep stakeholders aligned. The right Chair builds resilience to match ambition.” Professor Keith Jackson, Non-Executive Chair & NED.

These individuals don’t only offer strategic advice but create headroom for founders to stay focused on vision and momentum, while embedding operational structure and leadership capability into the business.

From Survive to Scale: 5 Practical Steps for Founders Building Beyond the First Raise

Scaling successfully isn’t about moving faster, it’s about moving smarter. Here are five practical steps high-growth founders can take to build sustainable momentum:

Revisit the org chart before you need it

• Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed to design your next-layer leadership team. Think ahead 12-18 months and map out key future roles.

Balance energy with experience

• Your early hires brought belief. Your next hires need pattern recognition; those who’ve scaled before and can help you avoid common pitfalls. Consider fractional leaders or NEDs who’ve done it.

Formalise the culture you want to scale

• Growth puts pressure on values. Be intentional about what behaviours and mindsets you want to scale and which need to evolve.

Build an advisory circle, not just a board

• Some of your most valuable guidance will come from informal relationships. Seek mentors, sector peers and trusted advisors who’ll challenge and support you.

Invest in operational infrastructure early

• Growth exposes cracks. Get your processes, systems and metrics in place before they become blockers to scale.

Need support with scale-up leadership?

At Pratap Executive, we specialise in helping high-growth businesses across South Yorkshire and beyond build the senior teams and board capability needed to scale. Whether you're hiring your first Chair, building out a leadership team, or exploring fractional options, we can help.

Feel free to get in touch for a confidential conversation, we’re always happy to share advice, introductions and ideas.

For more details on any of the details discussed, or to find out how we can help your business with their Executive Search needs, please contact:

EMMA PANARIELLO

emma@pratappartnership.com

07512 318 768