Peer Progress
Peer Network Programme Group2Grow is proving positive, as participants report back the benefits of the collaborative group sessions and 1:2:1 mentoring, as registrations for the 2022 programme open.
As we roll into a new year, many businesses will be revisiting their strategy, or maybe even writing one for the first time, preparing to navigate their way in the new business climate. The Group2Grow Peer Network Programme can help your business prepare to take the next steps in your growth journey.
Group2Grow is a fully funded dynamic peer network programme, that is part of the comprehensive portfolio of specialist business support from Backing Essex Business, delivered by Let’s do Business Group in partnership with Essex County Council.
The exciting rapid results programme, facilitated by expert business coaches, harnesses the power of collaboration through eight 2hr virtual peer group sessions, combined with 3 hours of one-to-one support and mentoring. Participants highlight and discuss their business challenges, utilising the groups knowledge and experience to overcome their stumbling blocks and carve out a path forward.
This combination of group and one-to-one business support has already been proven in producing outstanding results with positive economic impacts.
Traditional cider producer, Big Bear Cider from Braintree, joined the programme last year in order to explore how they might expand their business further.
“The Group2Grow programme came at an ideal time for us. We had just launched our first retail canned products and had reached a point where we needed focus on our next steps. The programme has helped me take a step back from my day to day and really think about our strategy and how we are going to take the business on its next growth journey.”
Another participant Richard Williams, Director at RWTCS transport consultancy, joined the programme to help rejuvenate his business, as a smaller business he felt it would provide an avenue for discovering new ways to market his services.
“Over the COVID period things started to feel stale, so I thought joining Group2Grow could give me a kickstart and help me find ways to market myself, as my service is quite niche.”
Something unique about the programme is that it recognises that businesses are unique, and that whilst challenges may be shared, there is no magic algorithm for solutions. Group2Grow uses the collective experience of the cohort members to work together to find the ideal solutions for you and your business.
“I went into it with an open mind. I wanted to see if there was something new I could learn, and already I’ve come to realise there are things I could do differently. Everyone has their own agenda and techniques, but it is refreshing to hear opinions that are different to my own”
Richard Williams, Director, RWTCS
“The challenges experienced by each member has been quite different, which has been really interesting, and giving me insight into how other businesses operate. Any advice given to me has been impartial which is invaluable. I’ve also found when listening and reflecting on comments made by peers it has sparked thoughts and opportunities for our business.”
Abigail Brockwell, Big Bear Cider
Each 2-hour group session provides the opportunity to discuss different topics, and these are tailored towards subjects important to the cohort members including
• Analysis of each business
• How to overcome barriers to growth e.g., finance, skills, and resources
• How to exploit opportunities for growth
• Increasing sales and improved marketing e.g., strategy and tactics
• Leadership development e.g., strategy and planning
• Increasing business resilience e.g., pivoting and risk management
Upon completion of the programme each business leaves equipped with the tools to take their business forward. 8 cohorts are now reaching completion, currently supporting the creation of 61 new jobs, 24 new products being developed and assisting 12 businesses with accessing business funding. When asked if they would recommend the programme, our participants said;
