Peer Network Programme

Peer Networks is a national initiative that will be delivered locally through the LEP network and their respective Growth Hubs. The programme's longer-term aims are focused on reducing the UK productivity gap by helping business leaders find practical solutions to strategic and operational challenges. It also forms part of the UK Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing EU transition, seeking to improve the resilience of SMEs, their capability to adapt their business models to the "new normal" and position themselves for future success, driving longer-term productivity gains. The Programme forms an important part of the Government's drive to improve productivity and deliver part of the economic response to the effect of COVID-19 on businesses. It will provide support to SMEs as they move into and through the Recovery phase of COVID-19 response. The aim is to improve SME's capability to adapt their business models to the "new normal", position themselves for future success and drive longer term productivity gains through improved leadership and management skills and tech adoption. The desire is to target 6,000 participants nationally in 2020-21, with the option to support up to 10,000 firms if there is demand. These will be spread across 38 LEPs in line with local demand and capacity to deliver. The programme will see the creation of a series of Peer Networks (cohorts) through the Growth Hub network. Each cohort is expected to consist of 8-11 owners or managers from the Liverpool City Region (LCR) SME business community. Led by an experienced facilitator, these Peer Networks will typically meet fortnightly as part of delivering 18 hours of action learning through online, and potentially face to face sessions. In addition, each business will receive 3.5 hours of individual one-to one support (coaching, mentoring, or advice) to be provided either directly by the programme, or from other existing schemes to help to implement and manage change.