Cumbria Business Growth Hub is gearing up to support local businesses aiming to make a post-COVID impact.
The organisation, part of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, is relaunching its Peer Networks project, which brings together specialists with business owners and senior managers.
Funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), on behalf of Cumbria LEP, the groups meet six times over 10 weeks to address business opportunities and challenges in a supportive and confidential setting.
After the success of last year’s campaign, Cumbria Business Growth Hub will support six further cohorts of local businesses over the next six months, with the first two intakes already fully booked.
Cumbria Chamber managing director Suzanne Caldwell said: “We’re delighted to again be able to offer support to Cumbrian business as part of the Peer Networks.
“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.”
Andrew Armitage, of A Digital, participated in last year’s Peer Networks.
He said: “As much as connecting with the other businesses was my primary aim, the greatest value I received was the opportunity to be challenged, sometimes put in quite an uncomfortable situation that the facilitated networking environment allowed.”
Christine Rowley, of The Rowley Estates, who also took part in last year, said: “It was also really beneficial to develop new relationships and opportunities with other local business owners in a collaborative framework which helped us to learn that we are not alone in facing challenges.
More information on Peer Networks, available dates, case studies of previous attendees and how to join can be found at https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/skills-training/peer-networks
