Interview with Rupert Merson, author of Guide to Managing Growth

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Rupert Merson, author of Guide to Managing Growth . Design/methodology/approach – The interview is conducted by an independent interviewer. Findings – Rupert Merson teaches new venture development and managing growth at London Business School. Formerly a partner at BDO, he now runs his own consultancy advising firms on how to manage growth. Rupert publishes frequently in the national press on a broad range of business topics. He has published four books on the key roles in the growing business, and co‐authored a fifth book on the family business. A sixth book, Rules are Not Enough , on corporate governance, was published in February 2010. His latest book Guide to Managing Growth was published by The Economist in the Summer of 2011. Practical implications – Rupert Merson looks at the pitfalls of management in maintaining and planning for growth. Through his interview, Rupert offers practical advice on what businesses should be doing in order to sustain successful growth. Originality/value – Growth is not something that, once initiated, can be left to its own devices. Rupert gives valuable insight and offers pointers as to how HR professionals can stay on top of company growth strategies and reach company targets.