Peer networks are back through Cumbria Business Growth Hub

Peer Networks is facilitated by action learning specialists and allow business owners and senior managers to address their business opportunities and challenges to identify practical solutions in a supportive and confidential setting.

The groups meet six times over a ten-week period for three-hour online sessions and 1-2-1 advice between sessions is available. Funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), delivery is on behalf of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP).

Cumbria Business Growth Hub will support six further cohorts of local businesses over the coming six months, with the first two intakes already fully booked. Dates from September 28 are available to eligible businesses.

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Cumbria Business Growth Hub said: “We’re delighted to again be able to offer support to Cumbrian business as part of the Peer Networks.

“It’s just one part of the great range of business support we have available. Feedback from last year’s delegates was tremendous.

“Some have been very open and honest in telling us they were initially unsure of the benefits of the network sessions, but they quickly realised the value not only from the group facilitators but also from the other group members.

Participant, Catherine Connor of Lovingly Artisan said: “We were going through the hardest trading time we had ever experienced due to the effects of the pandemic.

“I was looking for encouragement, to increase my confidence, and to have challenging and enlightening conversations with other business leaders that could assist me to look at our business from a different perspective. And that is certainly what I found and much more.”

More information on Peer Networks, available dates, case studies of previous attendees and how to join can be found on our website here cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/skills-training/peer-networks