BEIS Peer Networking for SME Businesses

The Peer Networking initiative is 100% funded by BEIS and is open to eligible SME businesses delivered through a series of high impact group sessions, sharing your biggest challenges, you will gain and reflect on valuable feedback from your peers and identify practical solutions to overcome them.

Eligible businesses are:
• In operation for at least one year
• Employ 5+
• Turnover at least £100,000
• Have an aspiration to improve

Businesses who seek external advice or undertake formal training are more likely to improve their overall performance, however many prefer to take advice from trusted sources, such as their peers, when presented with external challenges and opportunities.

Peer Networks enables you to make connections that go far beyond networking, including:
• Overcome business challenges and recognise and act on new opportunities
• Build a trusted network to support you now and in the future
• Improve your long-term personal and business performance

Whilst open to businesses in all sectors, we are specifically looking for the following:

• Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

The use of innovative technologies and methodologies for improved competitiveness in the manufacturing sectors. The aim of advanced manufacturing is to – Enhance output. Increase added value. This is a wide sector covering many manufacturing businesses and processes.

• Digital and New technologies

Businesses that use electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data; or any set of productive techniques which offers a significant improvement (whether measured in terms of increased output or savings in costs) over the established technology for a given process. Similarly, brand new technologies would also fit into this broad sector.

• Professional Services

A range of different occupations that provide support to businesses in the form of advice or performing tertiary roles. Helping clients manage, support and grow their businesses covers a wide array of areas. Examples would include legal services, Health Clinics, Actuaries, Surveyors, Estate Agents, Valuers, Engineers, Financial Planners, Pensions Specialists, Architects, Utility Agents etc.

• Business to Consumer (retail)

A business that sells products or services to consumers. Examples would include Opticians, Insurance Brokers, Retailers, Beauty Salons, Printers, Kitchens/Bathrooms, Independent Retailers etc. This may be of specific interest to bricks & mortar businesses looking to expand their online offering.

• Practicalities

Ideally each business sector will form individual cohorts of similar businesses who will work together in groups of 8-11 businesses facilitated by experienced business coaches and mentors.

The initiative includes 18 hours of group support and 3 ½ hours of tailored 1:1 assistance for each business. The group sessions will initially be run virtually with physical sessions commencing when/if restrictions permit.

Starting in December 2020 / January 2021 it is anticipated that the sessions will run in total between 6 – 9 weeks and the scheme will be finished by the end of March 2021.

More details and enquiries

The National web site is at https://www.peernetworks.co.uk/

Local applications can be made via: https://www.bb-bmg.uk/peer-networks/

Any enquiries can also be directed to David Mack, who will be one of the mentors delivering the program on 07974 721559, or david@bb-bmg.uk