Hear from our members
“I can very quickly and very easily have a conversation that adds value.”
John Stapleton
Founder, New Covent Garden Soup Co.
An exclusive community for founders of scale-ups beyond £1m. No sales. No ego.
Access inspiration and ideas from our diverse mix of members. We’re made up of over 400 founders turning over between £1m - £100m.
Join rich conversations at our intimate round-table events, learn from your peers in our online sessions and connect with fellow founders at special experience events.
Your Forum group will become your sounding board for decisions big and small, accelerating your growth to the next level.
They coordinate this amazing group, facilitate the discussions we need to have and use their years of expertise to support us at all stages of our business journey.
I have been a member of Helm for 15+ years and joining was the biggest single thing I did to help grow a business fast - through all the ups and downs to exit.
When I went to my first event the conversations were so rich. Because of the members experiences and knowledge.
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Together we are so much stronger.
They coordinate this amazing group, facilitate the discussions we need to have and use their years of expertise to support us at all stages of our business journey.
I have been a member of Helm for 15+ years and joining was the biggest single thing I did to help grow a business fast - through all the ups and downs to exit.
When I went to my first event the conversations were so rich. Because of the members experiences and knowledge.
Together we are so much stronger.
They coordinate this amazing group, facilitate the discussions we need to have and use their years of expertise to support us at all stages of our business journey.
I have been a member of Helm for 15+ years and joining was the biggest single thing I did to help grow a business fast - through all the ups and downs to exit.
When I went to my first event the conversations were so rich. Because of the members experiences and knowledge.
Together we are so much stronger.
Being part of an inspiring community of business leaders who support and challenge one another, as well as the opportunity to learn directly from each other's businesses, something that is pretty unique.
Being an entrepreneur is tough, you face incredible ups and downs. Having other entrepreneurs with you on that journey is essential.
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Helm has transformed my outlook, enabling me to navigate obstacles with newfound ingenuity. And the support from my forum group is unparalleled. Under the creative guidance of our Chair, Richard, stimulating debates ensue, and the collective wisdom of fellow business owners enriches each session, ensuring that I learn something new every time.
It’s great to be challenged by other members and get help on areas you’re struggling with.
Being part of an inspiring community of business leaders who support and challenge one another, as well as the opportunity to learn directly from each other's businesses, something that is pretty unique.
Being an entrepreneur is tough, you face incredible ups and downs. Having other entrepreneurs with you on that journey is essential.
Helm has transformed my outlook, enabling me to navigate obstacles with newfound ingenuity. And the support from my forum group is unparalleled. Under the creative guidance of our Chair, Richard, stimulating debates ensue, and the collective wisdom of fellow business owners enriches each session, ensuring that I learn something new every time.
It’s great to be challenged by other members and get help on areas you’re struggling with.
Being part of an inspiring community of business leaders who support and challenge one another, as well as the opportunity to learn directly from each other's businesses, something that is pretty unique.
Being an entrepreneur is tough, you face incredible ups and downs. Having other entrepreneurs with you on that journey is essential.
Helm has transformed my outlook, enabling me to navigate obstacles with newfound ingenuity. And the support from my forum group is unparalleled. Under the creative guidance of our Chair, Richard, stimulating debates ensue, and the collective wisdom of fellow business owners enriches each session, ensuring that I learn something new every time.
It’s great to be challenged by other members and get help on areas you’re struggling with.
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
“I’m happy sharing my experiences of a Warranty Claim after selling to Private Equity and particularly trying to help those exiting from avoiding this in future or at least reducing the damage if it happens to them! I also like being involved in the Supper Club Investment club - trying to help earlier stage founders develop their businesses and raise money from exited founders too.”
"Membership of Helm has been invaluable for me both personally and professionally. The support from other members is incredible and I’m always blown away by how generous and open other business owners are with their time, advice and ideas.
My biggest learning has been that every business, no matter the size, industry or revenue, has the same fundamental issues and that every business owner can support and learn from each other. The ability to share in a confidential setting is critical for personal and business success."
"Becoming a Helm Forum chair has been a great experience. The role allows me to hear and learn from other founders, as well as working with the group to support and guide the forum members through complex situations, issues, or puzzles. It’s really rewarding to see many of the things I’ve learnt running my own businesses helping others."
"I have bought, sold and developed businesses throughout my career that have reflected my changing interests and opportunities that presented themselves. I started in fashion, building the Muubaa leather brand before going into furniture, then finance, founding Funding Nav and most recently property with the acquisition of Forward Thinking Lettings.
I have been a member of Helm for almost 20 years now and the learning and network that it has given me has been invaluable in helping me on my journey."
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
My forum colleagues helped us to prove our eligibility for US payment protection programme, worth $300k.
Helm offers a unique forum to discuss with other founders who are inevitably facing similar challenges. Helm makes doing business a continuous learning experience and a less lonely place.
Helm has been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey, meeting like minded business owners, sharing experiences and building a quality network
I've looked at other networks where I could be connected with other scale up Founders and couldn’t find anything as good as Helm.
“I can very quickly and very easily have a conversation that adds value.”
“The secret's in the sauce for Helm, you get these insights very candidly from other businesses, that you wouldn't get anywhere else.”
“Helm is like my friendly board who help me navigate difficult situations and choices.”
Speak to the Helm team to help us understand you, your challenges and to make sure you're a fit for Helm.
Experience the rich conversations at our in-person events. Connect with others at a similar stage and be inspired by those further along their journey. All in intimate private dining rooms to give you the best experience in the company of up to 9 other founders.
Ask “that” question on our online community platform to over 400 founders who get it. Connect with the right founder to hear their experience and take action; saving you time or helping you be inspired faster than before.
Our expert led digital events are focused on subject specific learning in a way that uses your time efficiently. Join discussions with the expert and other founders from their desk or home.
Within three months you'll join your Forum. Chaired by an experienced Helm member, the Forum meets 10 times a year and includes six to eight founders. Forums develop deep relationships and allow members to get challenge, accountability and inspiration from a group acting like a non-exec board and a group of critical friends.
Have you stepped back from your business or exited? Our later stage members gain a huge amount of personal value and development from mentoring founders earlier on their journey and meeting fellow founders at a similar stage.
“I am delighted to see that Helm are actively supporting their scale-up founders in their quest to deliver both innovation AND impact in their markets. Becoming a B Corp requires businesses to meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. If you are a founder of an established business, Helm are big advocates of the B Corp movement, and the power of business for delivering good. They already have a significant proportion of their members certified or going through the process”
James Perry, co-founder B Lab UK / board member, B Lab
Helm members are founders of established, high-growth businesses. Many have been with us as they took the journey from scale-up through to exit or stepping away from the business. We welcome applications to join from founders of any stage from scaling (£1-10m, 10 staff), through scaling and stepping back (£10M-£20M / 100+ staff) to life after your business.
You get out of Helm what you put into it. There are multiple ways to get value from accessing the experience of other members in our digital community, to attending Forum (for 3 hours per month) to attending our digital or in-person events but there is no fixed time commitment. But you will get more value from Helm the more you spend time sharing insights and experience with fellow members.
We run 2 to 3 events per week but do not expect you to come to them all. We put on a variety of events to help members with different challenges and interests. We normally see members come to an event every 1 to 2 months.
No. One additional benefit that Helm members often mention is how a tip, insight or piece of wisdom from a fellow member has saved them repeating mistakes made by others. Helm can help you navigate a better route to business success.
We have a lot of respect from the entire founder ecosystem. But from experience, each network offers something unique. If you’re looking to support business growth and develop your own personal journey to health, wealth and your positive legacy, there isn’t a better place than Helm.
Helm was founded in 2003 to create a space for founders to have open and honest conversations, without being sold to. A lot has changed since those early days, but our 'Give and Get' ethos has held true. Helm started as a reaction to the feeling of being sold to at networking events and we protect that feeling every day for our members.
No. While our members might be your target market, we’re a network for pioneering founders. Our events are a safe space for members to share experiences and be open and honest with other founders and to learn from each other. We don’t accept non-founder staff as members.
You can view our Guiding Values here, including the Give and Get ethos which shapes everything we do and ask of members. To summarise though we are inspired and driven by growth. We want to help our members succeed in their journey of business and personal growth that creates positive impact and delivers more than it takes.
Within 3 months of joining Helm you'll be placed into a chaired Forum peer group.
Who will be in my Forum?
We aim for a diverse mix of business size and industry in each group to allow for ideas and inspiration from a range of founders.
Who is the Chair?
Your group will be chaired by a Helm member further along on their founder journey, usually exited (sometimes multiple times), with NED experience.
What do I get out of it?
Think of Forum as a ready-made board of NEDs at your disposal, ready to challenge you, keep you accountable and provide inspiration when you need it most.
Most Forum groups become life-long friends as they ride the waves of their founder journey.
