Businesses urged to work together through Peer Networks

Businesses urged to work together through Peer Networks

Published: December 21st, 2020

Business owners in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are being urged to come together to tackle common challenges and opportunities as the region looks towards recovery post-pandemic.

Peer Networks is being launched across the Marches LEP region, through the business support service, the Marches Growth Hub. It is being fully funded by the Government as part of the national Covid economic recovery strategy.

Companies which have already registered to take part are reporting improved productivity, better business performance and are seeing the benefits of a trusted network of connections.

LEP Partnership Manager Kathryn Jones said three organisations, either based in or with extensive knowledge of the region, had been appointed to deliver and facilitate the Peer Networks in the Marches.

“Peer networks are integral for trusted advice. What we want to do is bring businesses operating in the same sector together as they navigate multiple stages in the business cycle in the new ‘normal’ we are all facing.

“We have a fantastic resource through our Marches Growth Hub and the team of advisors working through our partners at local hubs. But evidence shows that businesses also really benefit from working through issues together, sharing knowledge and taking part in structured conversations, focused to support specific issues.”

The Marches LEP has appointed IBD Group, Biz-Smart and Neale Lewis Associates to deliver the Peer Networks projects in the region across manufacturing, cyber, food and drink/agritech, transport and logistics, business and professional services and health and social care and for businesses looking to scale-up/grow.

Kathryn added: “There is a time commitment of about 18 hours required from the business taking part between January and the end of March, which may be extended. Businesses also need to meet eligibility criteria, including having been operating for at least a year, with five or more employees, a turnover of at least £100,000 and an aspiration to improve business output.”

The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and there is no cost to the business/individual participating.

You can read more and register for the Peer Networks here.

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