Last few Lancashire places available as government-backed peer support scheme sees high demand

A fully-funded business support programme giving Lancashire businesses the opportunity to learn from each other, solve common challenges and build resilience has seen huge demand across the county.

Peer Networks will bring together around 350 Lancashire businesses in 34 specialist cohorts of 8-11 participants for a series of highly-focused peer learning sessions.

The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and led locally by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, which will work with 17 delivery partners covering topics such as international trade, manufacturing, resilience, wellbeing and personal development.

With group sessions already taking place and several cohorts currently full, interested businesses have been urged to get in touch as soon as possible to find out more.

Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost said: “We have already had some brilliant group sessions take place in Lancashire as part of Peer Networks, tackling key challenges businesses are facing through collaboration.

“All companies have faced unprecedented challenges this year and many have struggled with the situation. With EU Exit and other uncertainties on the horizon, engaging with likeminded leaders to share your challenges, learn from shared experiences and build resilience is something every business should consider.

“For some businesses, the focus is on the future and Peer Networks gives them the chance to discuss their vision and better shape their goals and strategy. I urge all businesses in Lancashire to get in touch and benefit from this brilliant fully-funded support while they still have the chance.”

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. It is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Peer Networks is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in response to a commitment made in the 2019 Business Productivity Review.

Eligible businesses will benefit from 18 hours of funded support delivered through facilitated peer learning sessions as well as one-to-one coaching.

The sessions will take place between now and March with participating companies given the opportunity to tailor support sessions to suit their challenges and goals.

The following organisations will be delivering Peer Networks cohorts: Community and Business Partners, Cube Thinking, Cummins Mellor, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, elementas, The Growing Club CIC, Growth Lancashire, Marketing Lancashire, North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, North West Aerospace Alliance, Northern Automotive Alliance, Northern Power Women, Project 808 Limited, Scale-Ability, Selnet, Shout Network and Winning Pitch.

Businesses looking for more information and eligibility criteria should visit: https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/peer-networks/

A Boost Video Story about the Peer Networks programme, with Boost programme manager Andrew Leeming, is available here: https://youtu.be/fAUFHWxT9ug