Due to popular demand, the Peer Networks programme is returning for Spring 2021 to help support businesses in the Liverpool City Region.
Funded by the Government, the Peer Networks programme will be delivered by Growth Platform’s Local Growth Hub team in conjunction with eight delivery partners from the region, all with diverse sector expertise.
Launched as a nationwide scheme, the programme was originally part of the Government’s response to supporting business resilience as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to help businesses boost productivity and future growth.
The Liverpool City Region network will now leverage the programme to give local business leaders the advice they need from trusted sources within a peer group and give them the opportunity to collaboratively work through common business issues through interactive action learning, with a keen focus on growth.
Each session will provide members of the cohort with the opportunity to pose questions and raise any issues and challenges they are facing. Members of the group will offer support by providing the knowledge and insight they need to implement practical solutions or recognise and act on new business opportunities.
The programme is open to SMEs that have:
- Operated for at least a year
- Five employees or more
- A turnover of at least £100,000
- The aspiration to improve and grow their business
- The ability / potential to scale up or start exporting (not essential)
Janice Mears, Head of Business Growth, Growth Platform, said:
“It’s really exciting to be relaunching the Peer Networks programme after it was so well received last year. As the programme was oversubscribed, it’s great to be given another opportunity to reach as many businesses as we can and provide them with much needed support.
“As we slowly emerge from the latest lockdown, we want business to start focusing on their aspirations and growth again. Liverpool City Region’s business community is a hub of goal-driven, entrepreneurial and innovative businesses, however for the last year, business leaders have had to navigate uncertain times – simply surviving being their main priority.
“With the relaunch of this programme, we want to give businesses an environment rich with insight and solutions to help them focus on emerging growth opportunities.”
The programme will see the creation of a series of Peer Networks (cohorts) through the Growth Hub network, with each group consisting of 11 owners or managers from the SME business community participating in each network. Led by an experienced facilitator, these Peer Networks will typically meet fortnightly as part of delivering 18 hours of action learning through 2-3-hour sessions. Individual one-to-one support (coaching, mentoring, or advice) will also be provided either directly by the programme, or from other existing schemes to help to implement and manage change.
Phil Davies, Director, Hey Strategy, said:
“I’m looking forward to working with some of the great businesses that Liverpool City Region has to offer. After such a tough year for so many business leaders, it is great to be part of a community which can share best practice and help fellow business leaders navigate their challenges to hopefully help them to work towards future growth.”
To find out more or sign up to take part in the Liverpool City Region Peer Networks programme, click here.