Helm’s Founders Network Forum
Value of Forum
Forum is your 2nd non-exec advisory board to help you tackle your challenges and grow your business faster.
How we construct Forum groups
How does it work?
Speak to the team to help us understand you, your challenges and make sure we find a Forum that is the right fit.
The Membership team will look at the Forum options and analyse your character, business and what you’d like to get out of Forum.
You’ll be connected with a Forum Chair for an initial chat. This is vital for you and the Chair to determine whether the Forum is the right fit.
Once confirmed, the membership team will onboard you into Forum, set you up with the other members and coordinate your first Forum meeting.
What Happens in Forum
We work with you, tel find the right Forum for you and your business within 1-3 months of joining the Club.
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.
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.
What topics will I discuss?
- Strategy overview
- Financial analysis
- Operations support
- Holistic advice
Most Forum groups become life-long friends as they ride the waves of their founder journey.
Hear from some of our members
Don't trust us, trust the people who've done it.
Forum's testimonials
“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.”
"I have valued being part of a Forum. After each monthly meeting I have a takeaway to apply directly to my own business and I always leave with a topic to reflect on – be that a management style or a new business tool. It is very supportive and comforting to have the Forum leader cheering you on, likewise one’s fellow Forum business founders."
"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."
Meet some of our Forum Chairs
Founder of Pocket-lint and Squirrel. Now a Strategic Advisor & Board Member.
Founder of muubaa sold to management. Now active angel investor and founder of Funding Nav.
Founder of The Instant Group sold to Private Equity. Now active angel investor including Grubby, Frameworks & Revvies.
Executive business coach working with founders of fast growth SMEs & large corporate clients.
Previous Managing Director of Helm with incredible knowledge of scaling to exit to help members grow their business faster.
Founder of Solar Communications sold to Private Equity. Now active angel investor & advisor working with scaling businesses.
Apply to become a member of Helm's founding network
Join a community of like-minded founders today
Membership frequently asked questions
Who should apply?
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.
What is the time commitment?
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.
How many events are there?
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.
I'm fairly well plugged into other communities, do I need this?
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.
Will members try to sell to me?
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.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. However, we encourage members to fully utilize the benefits of the club before making a decision. Refund policies are outlined in our membership agreement.