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Peer Networks Programme

Register your interest for the 2021-22 programme - starting from September

Peer Networks is a fully funded national peer-to-peer networking programme specifically designed to enable small business owners to grow their businesses. Ambitious businesses in York and North Yorkshire have the opportunity to come together and work collaboratively as part of our Peer Networks programme. 

The programme is delivered locally by the University of York on behalf of York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. The Universities team of experienced facilitators will deliver a series of high impact online group sessions. 

The programme will create diverse groups of business leaders and senior managers from SMEs across York and North Yorkshire, who can collaboratively work through their business challenges and opportunities, gain and reflect on valuable feedback and implement practical solutions to overcome them.

What does the programme involve?

Peer Networks is delivered through a series of high impact group sessions which are delivered through interactive action learning. This will enable businesses to discuss their own challenges, gain and reflect on valuable feedback and implement practical solutions. 

The programme includes:

• interactive action learning
• small groups
• flexible topic selection
• one-to-one coaching

Is the programme right for me?

Peer Networks is designed for business leaders who want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

The programme is available to any SME business, however preference will be given to those that have:

• operated for at least one year
• at least five employees
• a turnover of at least £100,000.

Ideally, you should also have:

• the potential to scale up
• the ability/potential to export or are already exporting

What are the benefits?

Peer Networks enables you to make connections that go far beyond networking. By completing Peer Networks, you will:

• overcome business challenges and recognise and act on new opportunities
• build a trusted network of connections to support you now and in the future
• improve your long-term personal and business performance

Programme structure

The programme involves 6 weekly online sessions of 3 hours with your peer group building towards a business-specific positioning plan, followed by an individualised 3.5 hours coaching session (1-2-1). We are running 5 cohorts starting in September 2021. 

Case study - Ian Walker & Associates

Ian Walker wanted to change his thinking around issues of work-life balance and recruitment.
Find out how the Peer Network Programme helped him achieve this, and develop some additional ideas around client and team management. 

• Walker and Associates case study

Testimonials from previous participants

"Having recently gone through North Yorkshire Growth Hubs’ Peer to Peer Networking Programme in conjunction with the University of York I have found that the levels of learning through working with experts as well as other businesses in the Area who share many of the same aspirations and challenges second to none’ . Both my business and myself have gained much out of the programme and are grateful for the learnings taken from it." 

Mark Sanchez-Garcia, Managing Director, Excellence Floorcare

 

" I would strongly encourage any business owner to take part in the Peer-to Peer Networking Programme. It provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss business challenges in a structured and supportive environment. The sessions often make you appreciate the commonality of business problems and the reassurance that help is out there. " 

Simon Crack, Director Hethertons

 

"It was good to have a diverse set of supportive views and challenge to help me think about issues in my business amongst a group of local peer group leaders." 

Nick Bradley, Founder & CEO, Mandala Leaders

Funded by

The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in response to a commitment made in the 2019 Business Productivity Review (BPR) and there is no cost to the business/individual participating.

How do I apply?

Eligible businesses can apply to join our Peer Network programme by completing a short expression of interest form.  Register your interest.

If you have any questions regarding the programme please email cpd@york.ac.uk 

Limited places are available

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