There’s still time for business leaders to join the Peer Networks programme

If your business is at least one year old, employs five full time members of staff and turned over £100,000 pre-Covid 19, then you can register for the Peer Networks for free.

The programme, funded and run by The Growth Hub, is aimed at Gloucestershire’s business leaders and is described by one of the experienced coaches who helps bring together the new networks as ‘fantastic’.

David Chapman works with clients to develop their international business strategies, is a professionally trained member of International Coach Federation, and is a champion of impact the Peer Networks programme can have.

‘We’re all now very familiar with the benefits of online and Zoom etc. Much of the peer networking process is actually about the magic of human interaction at its best, the power of good friendships and community, and is this especially important post pandemic,’ said Mr Chapman, who is also managing partner at Scott Hillam Associates.

‘I have run two fantastic groups so far this year. In both cases the groups have decided to continue beyond the end of the programme.

‘With time such a precious commodity, it is an endorsement of the success of the programme that so many have chosen to continue.

‘Peer Networks provides a valuable space for them to come out of their business in order to work on their business.’

Mr Chapman and his colleagues’ job as facilitators is to help each group gel and build a safe, confidential environment that allows members to connect, share and support one another.

‘As a leader you have so many balls to juggle and sometimes it’s like juggling in the dark. It’s often a lonely place to be and easy to lose track.

‘The Peer Networks programme gives business leaders and senior managers valuable time working with others facing similar challenges, all with a common interest in helping each other to help themselves.

‘The programme is structured around the principles of action learning and combined with individual coaching so that participants benefit from both business and personal development.

‘This is not a talking shop. It is strongly action oriented, with participants taught the importance of defining problems through advanced listening and questioning skills.’

The programme is completely free and delivered through a series of group sessions, with each cohort led by a trained facilitator and include 16 weeks of one-to-one coaching.

The deadline for application is Friday 5 November 2021.

There is also a special Peer Networks open day session on Wednesday, 3 November.

To find out more, visit thegrowthhub.biz/peernetworks.

By Andrew Merrell

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