Mentoring support for south west business community
One to one tailored support, along with 18 hours of learning opportunities, are among a ‘goody bag’ of opportunities for being businesses across the south west.
The coaching initiative is being run by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. The idea is to introduce small firms to a successful business to provide all of the tips and know-how to boost the bottom line.
‘This is a fantastic opportunity to empower business leaders with a social or environmental focus to navigate the path to future success,’ explains Sally Heard, Director of Development and External Affairs at School for Social Entrepreneurs.
‘We’re dedicated to creating a supportive network, fostering resilience, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and empowering participants to strengthen their businesses and translate their newfound insights into action.’
Organisers say that learning from the experiences of successful businesses will allow smaller ones to increase their productivity and resilience.
The peer networks will be led by a business person who has all of the knowledge and experience to make a real difference.
Each network will consist of a minimum of 11 owners or managers from the small and medium sized business community. The groups will be spread across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay.
Each participants will receive 18 hours of action learning through their network. There are one to one meetings where recipients can receive tailored support. Organisers say small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will receive a colossal boost from the project.
Fostering resilience and innovation
‘Through these Peer Networks, we aim to foster collaboration, resilience, and innovation, helping leaders navigate the ever-evolving business landscape,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
‘This initiative represents our ongoing commitment to empower and support SMEs, and by investing in our local business community, we are also strengthening our region’s economy.’
The programme aims to improve a business’ resilience and allow them to adapt their business models so they can place themselves into a position which will help to ensure their future success – and to drive longer-term productivity gains.
Organisers say that active involvement in the network will enhance the ‘leadership capabilities, knowledge and confidence of business owners and entrepreneurs within a local region.’
They add that it’ll help build local connectivity and strength within the SME business community.
Funding for the scheme has been committed for the next year and will build on the success of the Peer Network Programme. The scheme was rolled out in 2020 and has seen strong uptake across England through the Local Enterprise Partnership network.
Businesses learning and growing together
‘We’re thrilled to be part of the Peer Networks programme, where businesses can come together to learn and grow,’ says Nick Golding, Director of SWMAS.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to benefit from tailored support from others on the same journey, be it mentoring, coaching, or advice. We’re dedicated to delivering an enriching experience that helps businesses adapt and thrive.’
The programme currently has six delivery partners, including Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, University of Exeter, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and SWMAS.
All will be recruiting participants over the next few months. The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership covers Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. It is one of 38 such partnerships in England.
The Heart of the South West LEP is a business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges.
The news follows a recent announcement which highlighted how investment, totalling tens of thousands of pounds, is being used to help medical teams around the world.
Exeter based Diagnexia received almost £50,000 funding through the Heart of the South West LEP. The money will go towards a new digital pathology scanner which will help healthcare organisations connect with specialists around the world.