Join other creative SMEs to adapt and thrive post-lockdown
Peer Networks is a peer-to-peer business support programme for London-based creative SMEs who want to….
– Adapt and thrive post-lockdown
– Build a supportive network of like-minded business owners
– Create space for strategic thinking and problem solving
Following our first cohort earlier this year, we’ll be hosting two more Peer Networks cohorts over the next 6 months. The first cohort will begin on Tuesday 14th September, with sessions running fortnightly on Tuesdays 10am – midday. Dates for the second group will be announced soon.
Read on to find out more, and apply by Monday 23rd August.
What is the Peer Networks programme?
Peer Networks is a peer-to-peer programme for SMEs. We’re delivering the programme on behalf of London Business Hub, as part of a national Peer Networks initiative.
Peer Networks will bring together small, diverse groups of business owners on a 3 month journey. Together, you’ll solve business challenges, uncover competitive advantages, and build a network for support and collaboration.
As the world opens up post-lockdown, Peer Networks will give you the space to reflect, strategise and adapt with a supportive group of like-minded business leaders at a similar stage in their business journey.
The programme includes:
– 8 fortnightly action-oriented peer group sessions to uncover solutions to live business challenges, hosted by an experienced facilitator
– Flexibility to cover the topics that matter to you – from people management and business strategy, to sales and marketing
– 3 hours of dedicated 1:1 support where you need it most
The groups will be carefully selected to ensure a diverse mix of skills and experience, and to maximise opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual support.
Who is it for?
Peer Networks is designed for business leaders who want to build resilience and grow their organisation for future success.
We are looking for SMEs who…
– Are in the creative industries
– Have been operating for at least 1 year
– Have a turnover of at least £100,000
– Have at least five employees (or associates / freelancers)
– Have a registered business address in Greater London
– Aspire to improve
– Are open to sharing challenges and opportunities with others
If you’re not sure if you are eligible for this programme, you can contact us via hello@economyofhours.com to discuss. If you don’t quite meet the criteria, but are ambitious to grow and improve, there may be some flexibility.
What you’ll get from the programme
Peer Networks is a proven model for supporting business leaders to overcome challenges, improve their performance and set their businesses up for future success.
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
Here’s what previous participants on our peer-to-peer programmes had to say:
“It was hugely beneficial to take part in the programme. It enabled me to create a space for strategic thinking, and I have kept in touch with other businesses following a similar journey.”
– Urmi, founder of Pickled Pepper Books
“The programme was an incredibly valuable experience for our business during the difficult COVID pandemic period. The hand-selected and matched peers created a unique cross-section of businesses and business owners who were insightful and able to attack scenarios from different angles to create workable solutions.”
– Dave, founder of The Recording Studio London
Meet your hosts
Echo has been delivering business support programmes since 2015, and to date we have supported more than 300 entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. Our Peer Networks cohorts will be organised and hosted by experienced facilitators from the Echo team.
Apply now
To apply for a place on the programme, please complete the application via the link below by Monday 23rd August. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
The first group will begin on Tuesday 14th September, with sessions running fortnightly on Tuesdays 10am – midday. Dates for the second group will be announced soon.
FAQs
Who else will be in my Peer Network group?
We carefully curate each group of businesses to maximise opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual support. We make sure each cohort is diverse, and avoid direct business competitors in the same group.
Who is running this programme?
Echo has been commissioned by London Business Hub to deliver this programme, which is funded by BEIS. Echo has been delivering business support programmes since 2015. To date we have supported more than 300 entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses, and have connected thousands more to exchange peer-to-peer support via our online platform economyofhours.com.
Will sessions be delivered online or in person?
It’s likely that we will host the majority of sessions on Zoom to make it easy to fit into your day, but we’ll definitely organise some in-person meet ups during the programme.
Is there a charge?
This programme is fully funded, so there is no charge for businesses to take part, but we ask for maximum commitment to collective growth.
Do I have to attend the whole three months?
Yes, if selected to join the programme, you will need to commit to attending each session (8 sessions hosted fortnightly over a three month period). Because the programme is focused on building relationships and trust between the members of the group, you’ll need to attend yourself and cannot send a colleague in your place.
What if my turnover is less than £100k? Can I still take part?
This programme has been developed specifically for businesses at a certain size and growth stage. Unfortunately, if your turnover is not £100k or more, you won’t be eligible for this programme. However, we are busy cooking up other Echo programmes to support smaller and early-stage businesses – you can register your interest to be the first to hear about them.
What if I don’t employ 5 people? Can I still take part?
This programme has been developed specifically for businesses at a certain size and growth stage, so if you don’t employ others unfortunately you won’t be eligible. There is a small amount of flexibility, so if you employ slightly less than 5 and are ambitious to grow, you may still be able to access the programme. The total number includes full-time and part-time employees, and in the case of creative industries businesses can also include freelancers and associates.
