Building a high-performing team that drives scale-up success
Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent is one of the most pressing challenges for scale-up businesses. The right team can make all the difference in propelling a business to the next level and sustaining growth. The Festival of Entrepreneurs, taking place at the NEC on 8-9 October 2025, will convene industry leaders and talent experts to share actionable insights on building and nurturing high-performing teams.
Attracting talent that aligns with your vision
Attracting the right talent starts with clarity of purpose. Scale-ups need individuals who not only bring the necessary skills but also resonate with the company’s vision and values. Establishing a strong employer brand is key to this process. This goes beyond competitive salaries and benefits; it’s about creating a culture that inspires potential candidates.
Highlighting opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact can make your business a magnet for ambitious professionals who are looking for more than just a job. Scale-up leaders who effectively communicate their mission and values find that they attract people eager to contribute and grow alongside the company.
Developing your team to scale with your business
Once the right people are on board, ensuring they have the tools and support to grow with the business is crucial. Professional development is an investment that pays dividends in productivity, creativity, and loyalty. Entrepreneurs who prioritise continuous learning and development create teams that are not only skilled but also adaptive and resilient.
Tailored training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and cross-functional projects help employees broaden their skill sets and prepare for new challenges. A strong focus on development also contributes to a culture of innovation, empowering team members to contribute ideas and solutions that drive the business forward.
Building a culture that retains top performers
Retention is critical for scale-up success. High turnover can be costly in terms of both finances and momentum. Scale-ups that foster a culture of inclusion, trust, and recognition see better retention rates. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay engaged and committed.
Creating a culture that retains top talent involves more than just offering perks and incentives. It’s about fostering an environment where communication is open, contributions are recognised, and team members feel they are part of something larger than themselves. Founders who focus on building this type of culture often see teams that are motivated, collaborative, and willing to go the extra mile.
Balancing structure with entrepreneurial spirit
As scale-ups grow, maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that fuelled early success can be challenging. Introducing structure is essential for scaling, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of agility and innovation. Flexibility in how teams work, openness to new ideas, and empowering employees to take initiative are all hallmarks of high-performing scale-up teams.
When structure supports rather than stifles creativity, teams are better positioned to contribute to sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs who strike this balance create an environment where innovation thrives, and their teams remain engaged and proactive.
Leveraging diverse perspectives
Diversity and inclusion are essential drivers of innovation and growth. Studies show that diverse teams perform better because they bring varied perspectives and experiences to the table. For scale-ups, fostering diversity is a strategic advantage that can lead to more creative problem-solving and a better understanding of diverse customer bases.
Entrepreneurs who build diverse teams tap into a broader range of ideas and solutions. The Festival of Entrepreneurs will explore how scale-ups can build inclusive teams that harness the power of different perspectives to drive innovation and success.
Empowering teams through leadership
Great teams need great leaders. Developing leadership within the team is crucial for scaling successfully. Delegating responsibility and empowering team members to lead projects accelerates growth and prepares the company for future challenges.
Leadership development should be nurtured at every level. Scale-ups that encourage team members to take ownership of their work and lead initiatives create a culture of accountability and ambition. This empowers the team to make decisions confidently and helps build a pipeline of leaders ready to step up as the company grows.
Sustaining team momentum through growth phases
Rapid growth and change are often part of the scale-up experience. Maintaining team momentum during these times can be challenging but is essential for long-term success. Founders who communicate openly about their vision and align their teams with the company’s goals can sustain morale and motivation through periods of intense change.
Recognising and celebrating achievements helps keep energy high and reinforces the sense that everyone is contributing to shared success. Regular feedback loops, transparent communication, and aligning the team’s work with the company’s larger mission make a significant difference in maintaining momentum.
Take part
The Festival of Entrepreneurs will bring together ambitious founders, business leaders, and talent experts to share strategies and experiences that can help scale-up entrepreneurs build, nurture, and sustain high-performing teams. It’s not just an event; it’s an opportunity to gain the insights and connections needed to transform how you approach talent in your business.