A programme that aims to support businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire has seen a hugely successful start to sessions facilitated by a leading accountancy firm.
Burgis & Bullock, which has offices in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-on-Avon, is delivering six cohorts of The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Peer Networks programme.
The first session went ahead with businesses from a variety of sectors taking part – including IT services, recruitment, office supplies, food distribution and more - and immediately benefitting from the support offered.
David Mack, Peer Network Facilitator, said: “The first session we delivered went extremely well with a diverse number of business taking part.
“This first session was very much about all the businesses getting to know each other, but we managed to start discussions which were a great for the group and proved helpful.
“The sessions are very much about providing support for businesses, letting them give each other advice and be sounding boards, as often a problem shared is a problem halved.
“We can support most businesses and they are welcome to join any of the cohorts that we have taking place and we looking forward to seeing them there. An additional benefit is that we’ll be looking to showcase member businesses and as this is a pilot programme we may be able to showcase our successes nationally.”
Burgis & Bullock is delivering the sessions through its Business Mastermind Group programme, which launched in 2017 to bring business owners and leaders together from a wide range of sectors for presentations, discussions and action planning to improve their businesses.
The Peer Network programme is funded through BEIS and delivered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub.
One business who thought the network programme could be beneficial for other organisations was PTI Worldwide and Managing Director, Luke Hall, said: “I think now more than ever people need somewhere that they can talk, so I see this being very beneficial for many businesses out there.
“For leaders and owners of businesses it can be a very lonely place, so this kind of event is a chance for them to talk to people in the exact same position.
“From my point of view, it is also an excellent networking opportunity, so works on many levels for all involved. I commend Burgis & Bullock for doing this and it demonstrates the support that they are offering to their customers.”
Another company who benefited from the group discussion was ie Office Equipment Ltd.
Paul Lappin, Partner and Dealer Principal at the Rugby-based company said: “Having the opportunity to discuss and consider the thoughts and informed opinions of local business leaders, outside of my own industry, was very useful and informative. I would encourage other businesses to engage in the programme.”
Peer Networks sessions, which will be delivered virtually, will run for two or three hours once a fortnight for up to nine weeks, and the programme also includes three-and-a-half hours of individual one-to-one support from Burgis & Bullock’s experts.
The sessions are open to any SME which has at least two employees, has operated for at least one year, a turnover of at least £100,000 and has an aspiration to improve.
Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We were only too pleased to be able to deliver this programme and I am thrilled with how our first session has gone and that businesses are already getting so much out of it.
“We are looking forward to the next event and would encourage businesses to get involved and see what assistance and support they can gain from it.”
This is a pilot programme and there are only a few slots left on the January cohorts so to register your interest in joining one of the Peer Networks Programme visit www.bb-bmg.uk/peer-networks
CAPTION: Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock.