SWLEP
@ SWLEP
Visit the SWLEP online at: www. swlep. co. uk
Peer Network programme set to continue for SMEs
Peer Networks is a Government-funded programme that has seen business leaders gather virtually in small, facilitated groups to learn from and support each other.
Discussions centre around significant challenges and opportunities faced by the business community such as Brexit and recovery from the impacts of Covid-19, alongside other considerations such as HR, digital, financial and marketing issues.
Brea Woods, SWLEP’ s Growth Hub Project Manager for Peer Networks, said that even with national tiers and lockdowns being introduced, business leaders still came together during these uncertain times. The Peer Network programme has allowed them to access support and advice to prepare for future growth opportunities and to‘ build back better’.
By working with business leaders who know and understand business, the groups have been able to improve their overall performance, discuss raw topics in a safe and trusted environment and build cohesive networking relationships.
Varied high impact delivery and real results are what sets Peer Networks apart from other networking groups. Business leaders receive practical, no nonsense guidance from other local businesses.
What have attendees been saying about Peer Networks
“ Discussing issues with my cohort has been supportive and encouraged me to think about the real possibility of employing an apprentice within the business.”
“ The support and guidance from our business mentor has been second to none. Their experience and ability to draw knowledge of the group has accumulated in high-quality insights and solutions.”
“ I look forward to my two-hour cohort sessions on a weekly basis. Via Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub and the group that gather, I feel supported, engaged and stronger.”
Business leaders across the SWLEP region found that seeking external advice or undertaking formal training was more likely to improve their overall performance, and that they preferred to take advice from their peers and the qualified business mentors who facilitated the cohort sessions. The eligibility requirement for SMEs to join Peer Networks are:
• Operated for at least one year
• At least five employees
• Turnover of at least £ 100,000
• Aspiration to improve
• Ideally has the potential to scale-up, export or is exporting already
Look out for the opportunity to sign up for Peer Networks 2.0 and join the next cohorts that will be available. Contact: brea. woods @ SWLEP. co. uk for further information.
Working with the SWLEP
In January 2019, the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership( SWLEP) incorporated as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. We enjoy a very good relationship with Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council, who are key partners, but we are entirely independent of both local authorities. That independence and legal identity has enabled us to directly issue contracts for work totalling more than £ 10 million for capital projects and close to £ 5 million for projects to provide business support to increase the competitiveness of the SMEs in Swindon and Wiltshire.
We are a private sector-led organisation committed to the sustainable economic growth of Swindon and Wiltshire. Our Board has 16 Directors, 13 from the private sector and three from the public sector. Our vision is to ensure all of our communities benefit from inclusive and sustainable growth, making the Swindon and Wiltshire area world-renowned for its convergence of innovation, entrepreneurialism and great quality of life.
We are always looking for ways to engage with the 30,000 SMEs in or area. We are looking for business leaders who would like to be more involved in the work of our company. This involvement is likely to be in two ways.
1. Sign up to be a member of SWLEP Ltd and be part of the group that holds the Directors to account. We use millions of pounds of public money to run our projects and welcome scrutiny of what we do, how we do it and how well we perform and make use of our funds. Membership does not involve a fee. We just require business leaders who are interested in this option not to be part of an organisation which currently provides a Director who is a member of the SWLEP Ltd Board.
2. You may wish to help shape our strategies and plans. We have a range of groups which develop new projects and ensure existing ones run smoothly. These groups include:
a. Skills and talent; b. Places, infrastructure and ideas; and c. Business environment.
The time commitment in the membership role is up to four days a year and no more than six days for the strategy groups.
We do not pay fees, but when we do have face-to-face meetings, we cover travelling expenses.
I am keen to talk to any business leader who wants to find out more. You can reach me through LinkedIn, email: paddy. bradley @ swlep. co. uk or phone 0771 841951.
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2021 15