Provision of a series of virtual Peer Networks, Action Learning Sets & Business Support

The Challenge

Peer Networks was a National Initiative, funded by BEIS, delivered through Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Growth Hubs, focused on reducing UK productivity gaps by supporting business leaders with practical solutions to strategic and operational problems, as well as addressing the issues arising from Covid-19 and EU Exit. It sought to improve resilience and longer-term capability of SMEs.  

V4 Services provided a programme of support on behalf of South East Midlands LEP (SEMLEP). V4 role was to manage the delivery programme and provide experienced business advisor facilitators to progress each cohort through a series of tailored peer learning workshops and up to 3.5 hours of individual 1-2-1 business support - including coaching, mentoring or business advice, thus enhancing the leadership capabilities, knowledge and confidence of business owners and entrepreneurs within the region.  

The programme included: stakeholder engagement, action learning set (ALS) programme co-design, marketing and engagement campaign, design of collateral and training materials, interactive recruitment (dedicated website portal), triage and eligibility diagnostic, evaluation assessment, business assessment & action planning diagnostic and evaluation reports (per business)

The Solution

Action learning set (cohorts) delivery in tranches, between 9-10 sessions in total:  

• Session 1 - introduction to programme 
• Session 2-9 action learning topic discussion and feedback 
• Session 10 - reflections and future action plans  

Delivered through 1-2-1 business support  and 1-2-many workshops,  programme managed by the team (project management and support). Programme Evaluation was integral to the reporting of successful outcomes. Highlight and evaluation reports  were used to  

1. feedback to the SEMLEP project management group as a regular touchpoint on programme progress and effectiveness and  
2. submitted to BEIS as part of the funding requirements. They included client testimonial, effectiveness of programme and learning and other key insights/metrics for use by BEIS and SEMLEP.  

Outcomes

• Delivery of 11 cohorts across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, West and North Northamptonshire to eligible SEMLEP business groups, aligned to BEIS funding requirements. 
• Delivery of 18 hours action learning set sessions (2-3 hours), 3.5 hours of individual 1-2-1 direct support (through coaching, mentoring and providing advice and signposting). 
• ALS Delivery – two facilitators to maximise session benefits and ensure continuity of delivery  Follow-up 1-2-1s with an expert business coach/adviser

To find out how V4 Services can help you with your next project, please get in touch.