News and Views

On Monday, October 5, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) is set to launch the Peer Networks programme in Cumbria to offer over 100 local businesses the opportunity to participate in cohorts that will help them to build resilience, develop their capability and grow.

Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking programme for SME leaders who want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

Delivered locally by CLEP, the new programme will create diverse cohorts of individuals to collaboratively work through business issues. Cohorts of 8-11 leaders from the SME business community will participate in each network.

Led by an experienced facilitator, these Peer Networks will typically meet fortnightly as part of delivering 18 hours of action learning through 2-3 hour sessions. In addition, individual one-to-one support will be provided to help business leaders implement and manage change.

Miranda Kirschel, Head of Business and Innovation at CLEP, said: “From finance and HR, to sales, marketing and more, active involvement in the Peer Network will enhance the leadership capabilities, knowledge and confidence of business owners and entrepreneurs across Cumbria.

“It will also help build local connectivity and strength within the SME business community. We hope to see as many local businesses as possible getting involved.”

The programme will commence in October and cohorts will be managed in a phased process, through to the end of March 2021.

The Peer Networks Programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in response to a commitment made in the 2019 Business Productivity Review. The local accountable body for the Peer Networks programme is Cumbria County Council.

If you would like to know more or participate in the Peer Networks programme, please contact Helen Atherton, Project Manager (Business Support) at CLEP, at Helen.Atherton@thecumbrialep.co.uk as soon as possible.

Downloads

• Peer Networks leaflet – (PDF, 5.3MB)