Quarter 4 (October - December), 2021
BUSINESS GROUPS E-MAGAZINE
To ensure that Gloucestershire is a vibrant, year-round destination for tourists of all ages and from all locations. To ensure a joined-up approach to every area of the county, to share best practice to generate a holistic approach to building the visitor economy. To work with tourism bodies to ensure opportunities for showcasing what Gloucestershire has to offer, is promoted effectively both at home and abroad.
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Business Membership Groups This group provides a platform for representatives from the county’s business membership groups to engage with each other and with Board representatives. This group provides a conduit between the LEP Board and membership groups to identify mutual needs and solutions to enhance economic growth.
GFIRST LEP | BUSINESS GROUPS E-MAGAZINE
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Business and Professional Services
Retail and High Street To have a joined-up approach to the current retail offering within the county. To identify current challenges facing high street businesses and work together to encourage diversification and support.
Construction and Infrastructure To offer support in identifying and facilitating the planning of employment land within the county particularly along the M5 ‘growth zone’. To work collaboratively to support infrastructure developments surrounding planned growth areas, taking into consideration any environmental and social impact.
Elizabeth Weaver BUSINESS GROUP MANAGER Elizabeth.Weaver@gfirstlep.com www.gfirstlep.com
Visitor Economy and Tourism
Banking and Finance Work with the full spectrum of banks and financial organisations within the county to offer holistic support and advice to businesses. Offering financial guidance to Growth Hub clients through ‘clinics’ offering impartial financial advice and signposting. To assist in the implementation of the county’s Local Industrial Strategy. Work closely with GFirst LEP Investment panel to offer investment recommendations to the Board.
Agri Food and Rural Economy Supporting sustainable rural businesses with their growth potential; identifying areas of opportunity and support from associated organisations. To assist in the implementation of the county’s Local Industrial Strategy Agri-tech strand. Work with partners to deliver a food strategy for the county: using food as the vehicle for driving positive social, economic and environmental change.
Cyber Tech To support the key Government objective of making the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do business. To develop the county, in particular Cheltenham as the ‘cyber cradle’ for innovative Cyber-tech start-ups and to offer the opportunity for the growth and development within the county, capitalising on the world-class Cyber-tech institutions based here.
Energy Ensure the application of Gloucestershire’s Sustainable Energy Strategy into new projects. To work collaboratively to strive for the ambition for Gloucestershire to become carbon neutral by 2050. To encourage the adoption of measures to improve the efficiency of energy usage by businesses.
Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Identify and address skills shortages within the sector, engaging with academia to address these gaps and incorporate the manufacturing initiatives into the STEM learning environment. To ensure the right talents and capabilities are developed and retained within the county, avoiding skills seepage. To assist in the implementation of the county’s Local Industrial Strategy.
As a collective representation of the professional services in the county, to act collaboratively to review and feedback on GFirst LEP pipeline project proposals for consideration of future funding opportunities.
The CLA are aiming to reduce barriers to new entrants into farming. Landowners are keen to support but are unsure of how ELMS and the Basic Payment scheme will operate and affect land owner management.
Despite an increase in UK-based supply chain activity, finding extra resources is still a concern.
Staff turnover is steady. 72% of candidates said that 'purpose' should be given more weight than 'profit'. Employers need to offer a more rounded package not necessarily driven by salary.
Agri-Food and Rural Economy
"Government's Levelling Up agenda must apply to the rural economy...green skills and green jobs must be at the forefront."
The second phase of Hartpury's Digital Innovation Farm is underway thanks to funding secured by GFirst LEP. Shaping the future of digital farming to meet the global demand for new technologies in farming. Due to launch later this year, the business accelerator units will create a new kind of workspace dedicated to enabling the growth and development of Gloucestershire’s agri-tech businesses.
Industry feedback
Current & Future Skills Strategy
Industry updates:
The NFU have asked government for a delay in any further reductions to the Basic Payments Scheme for the next 2 years.
Business Support & Innovation
Matt Tudge, Project Manager, Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). One of 8 LSIPs, managed by the Depart of Education, Business West will be managing the development of one of the 8 regional pilots. The aim of LSIPs is to give employers more of a say over the future skills landscape in their locality and be part of addressing skills gaps.
Aligned with the Inst of Technology the LSIP sits alongside the two largest sectors in the Southwest: Aerospace and engineering, and health and social care. Businesses are encouraged to input into the LSIP skills and training provision moving forward. Email Matt to feed into the LSIP
NEW MEMBERS
Matt Tudge Business West
Shortages of electric component parts has increased lead times from 4 to 14 weeks. This has resulted in import price pressures and margin squeezes.
The price of steel is topping out so may start to drop. We have seen an inrease in onshore work and customers which is reducing costs and risk.
VIEW REPORT
Mike Madden,DASA
“By providing funding for Hartpury’s ground-breaking Digital Innovation Farm Tech Box Park initiative, we are championing collaboration between industry, Hartpury University and College, and the next generation of farmers."
There is strong bounceback from automotive, medical and hydraulic component parts suppliers. Aerospace is still struggling.
Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
GROUP FOCUS
Food & Farming Strategy
Mike Madden, Innovation Partner for the South West at DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator). DASA finds and funds exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security, welcoming ideas from innovators and providing support to those who have not previously worked with government.
DEFRA's agricultural transition plan aims to pull together a national infrastructure around supporting new entrants into agriculture and to innovate and drive agricultural businesses. A grant structure will encourage individuals to the scheme.
To further focus the aims of the group, three sub-strands will be developed. The Food & Farming strategy work will be taken forward to incorporate community connections and food justice. Current and future skills gaps and opportunities including apprenticeships as well as non-accredited courses. Business support and innovation will encompass sustainability and the farming environment.
There is a need for financial support towards diesel replacement
2022 clinic dates coming soon
Chris Mears is Principal at Boost & Co - an innovative debt solutions company for high growth SMEs. Founded in 2011, BOOST & Co is a UK-based independent asset manager, specialising in growth-lending solutions of £2m to £20m for high-tech, high-growth SMEs. "We achieved more than £200m of CBILS funding and have moved onto our recovery loan scheme. It's a simple structure where we operate differently to banks whilst still fitting into the overall finance toolkit." "We traditionally looked after tech businesses but we now support all sorts of industries - fundamentally business to business within the South and South West."
Receive free, impartial advice from financial experts and business guides Irrespective of whether you are a new start-up business or an established large PLC, our panel of leading industry experts are ready to hear from you, about what is holding your business back from hitting its growth goals. Interested? Complete an application form:
11% of UK SMEs - around 700,000 businesses have accessed external finance to support Net Zero actions, and 22% say they are prepared to do so in the next 5 years.
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According to British Business Bank estimations, smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from households, industry and government) and around half (50%) of total emissions from the UK businesses.
MEMBER PROFILE: BOOST & Co
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35% of smaller businesses state COST as a barrier for reducing carbon emissions
SMALLER BUSINESSES AND THE TRANSITION TO NET ZERO
We have green loans, funding and deposit options available however, customers are asking for financial incentives and grant opportunities to 'go green' other than just external accreditations
Managing business debt: helping businesses stabilise and grow. Focusing on the following areas: Understanding debt finance Managing debt Improving your cash flow Moving from survival to recovery and growth Resources for businesses worried about their debt
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Banking and Finance
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Priority concerns for businesses: Product shortages in the lead up to Christmas are continuing to cause concern for firms. Skills and labour shortages continue to be felt across the economy, having a direct impact on production levels, operating capacity, and prices. The sharp rise in energy prices continues to place significant cost pressures on firms.
Business Feedback
SME Board Champion Review: "The current claimant count rate is high, but not as high as predicted following furlough ending. We urgently need to drill down to ascertain which sectors those 40,000+ posted jobs are in, and develop initiatives with employers to fill them. Anticipation of future workforce challenges such as green skills to meet the demands of Net Zero would help to future-proof the county's economy." Ian Mean
Cheltenham Chamber held a successful 'in-person' event around CSR and linking up businesses with charities and volunteer organisations. "There is still some uncertainty with small businesses around action to be taken regarding greening". Breakfast at the Ivy
Each group focuses on a key part of Gloucestershire’s economy, providing a platform for local company leaders to help us shape the future of the county. Our groups are always looking for innovative, dynamic and enthusiastic people who can help us make a positive difference to Gloucestershire’s economy.
The University of Gloucestershire Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter award, in recognition of its commitment to supporting the small business community, student entrepreneurship, and the local economy. The Growth Hub was also commendable and sample SME Impact was impressive. The operation of the Hub brings SMEs, micro businesses, and would-be entrepreneurs into the University, bringing substantial positive impacts on the local community. Growth Hub Manager Alex Cottrell is the cluster manager for the collaborative work with the University, the Growth Hub network and the 'Help to Grow' initiatives.
Did you know that GFirst LEP is guided by sector-based business groups?
There will be a business breakfast event hosted by the Chamber, at the Ivy, on Wednesday 19th January 2022. Book here. Breakfast at the Ivy
Office suites for hire in Stroud are now full. There seems to be a high demand from small businesses for maintained office/incubator units in the county, despite home-based working for the majority of the year. "Small businesses are still feeling the effects of: Covid, Inflation, staffing issues, supply chain delays and EU Exit."
Business Membership Groups
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"Can I enforce that employees are vaccinated?"
"I am seeing signs of burn-out with colleagues working all hours from the home office - what can I do?"
Email us: find out more and get involved
2,030 students aged between 11-18 benefitted
Listen again
"How can I keep in touch with my employees and customers remotely?"
The group will review feedback from the event, and ask attendees what areas they would like more advice on, with a view to holding a follow up event in 2022.
"What are the dangers of employees using public WiFi to access company information?"
200 business volunteers supported
The GFirst LEP Careers Hub was created with one simple aim – to inspire and prepare young people throughout Gloucestershire for the world of work. We work in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company, supporting schools and colleges throughout the county, with the help of our committed Enterprise Advisers and volunteers.
"Are there job boards or consultancies to help me tap into to find a flexible and remote workforce?"
"How can I fairly cater for everyone's requests to work remotely/flexibly?"
43 schools and colleges use the services of the education team
GFirst LEP Employment & Skills
Skills Portal
The Skills Portal was launched in November 2020 using funding from Gloucestershire County Council, to bring together into one place and make it easy for anyone to find out more about careers, jobs and training support, both local and national. The platform provides seven different scenarios for the user called ‘journeys’ to swiftly direct them to the most appropriate support for their specific requirements.
Watch our launch video
"How can I accommodate my employees' physical needs when working from a home office?"
"Do I need to alter contracts for changes to working patterns?"
We are proud to work with Enterprise Advisers - local business professionals who are successfully matched to a school or college to raise the aspirations of young people throughout Gloucestershire, implement the Gatsby Benchmarks, and engage with Senior Leadership Teams within educational facilities. They use their strategic skills to put opportunities with local employers at the heart of a young person’s education.
Career Coach
Questions answered:
In February of 2021 Career Coach was launched. Career Coach was added to the Skills Portal to help individuals find out which jobs and careers suit them, with information and links to live job vacancies in Gloucestershire. "Career Coach brings together everything you need to know about jobs in Gloucestershire and helps you to find out which job or career may suit you best. It’s ideal for students and anyone who is looking for a new job or career path."
Renew & Recovery: Digital Business Transformation Transformation has become key to businesses operating effectively both remotely and with physical distancing restrictions. As part of GFirst LEP's Renew and Recovery Plan, the group have been working towards the 'Digital Transformation' intervention identified in the Plan. Building on a strong track record of innovation across established and emerging sectors, members of the Business and Professional Services group ran a Q&A panel event to answer questions on navigating teams through hybrid working.
GFirst LEP Employment and Skills team works with local businesses and individuals to identify and overcome challenges, from recruitment to redundancy and upskilling. Via the Careers Hub and partners, the team aim to ensure young people in Gloucestershire have the opportunities to enable them to be prepared for the future world of work.
Covid has delayed the Planning approval process even further. Applications are up by 40% which, together with staff shortages and difficulty with recruiting in this field has exacerbated the issue. A toolkit to help achieve Net Zero Homes is now available for small or medium-sized house builders, architects, self-builders and consultants. It covers a range of steps - from pre-planning through to construction - for delivering net-zero carbon, low-energy homes.
AccXel
Construction and Infrastructure
A review of the 'Barriers to Development' work will be undertaken by this group, to re-examine the planning process delays and encourage Local Authorities and developers to work more efficiently together
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"Employment and Inward Investment opportunities are under threat due to employment land not being released"
In total GFirst LEP has brought in £112.9million to the county via Growth Deal Funding and the Getting Building Fund (GBF), as well as €41 million in European funding through our EU Structural and Investment Funds Strategy. Thanks to these deals, we’re funding cutting-edge projects, fuelling innovation and facilitating change, laying solid foundations for Gloucestershire’s next steps. to economic growth.
Minster Exchange
Toolkit
"Let's grow our own Planners of the future in the county"
"A health check of the planning process is in order, to find out where we are now, what is working, and where the delays are"
Cyber Incubation Units
Business and Community Projects
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The Joint Core Strategy (JCS) is a partnership between Gloucester City Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council, which sets out a strategic planning framework for the three areas. The JCS was adopted by all three councils in December 2017 and is now undergoing a review. The group will be looking to set up a working group with Local Authorities following the understanding from the Inspector that Tewkesbury Borough Council only had 1.82 years worth of housing supply land left.
"There has been an increase in consumer demand for the use of the Net Zero Toolkit, in response to the climate emergency"
JCS
"Planning applications have seen huge delays as a result of Covid, as well as shortages of Local Authority staff. We need to get Plans moving forward as quickly as possible"
The Gloucestershire Applied Digital Skills Centre
University bootcamps
The Forge will consist of Co-working space, Pods, Team workspace suites, a digital lab and media lab equipped with the latest high speed software. A flexible event space and members bar for presentations, workshops and educational events.
Cyber Tech
The Reef Group are asking the cyber business community to help shape the development of The Forge - part of the multi million pound Forum regeneration project in Gloucester. The Forge is over 18,000 sq ft of space on several levels within the TWO Cathedral View development. It's a flexible space where the cyber community can really shape how it's used: cyber-tech, medi-tech and gaming sectors for example, where the cyber community can usefully bridge the gaps that other cyber focussed projects may not have covered.
Cyber businesses to shape The Forge
Highlights are available to view on the video link
CYBER TECH TIPS
Rob is CEO at Red Maple Technologies Based in Cheltenham, Red Maple Technologies offer full spectrum cyber security and technology. They provide world class cybersecurity professional services and have built a simple & secure file sharing service called Trebuchet. They offer cyber security consultancy, public, private and hybrid cloud, big data dnd secure file share options as well as FinTech and financial Services. redmaple.tech
Rob Stemp Red Maple Technologies
“Thank you, I really enjoyed the event and was impressed by how much work you all put into it. I'd be delighted to support again in the future”
CYBER SKILLS BOOTCAMPS: Both the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire College are offering flexible 'bootcamp' courses in cyber skills available for free to those aged 19 and over who are in work, self-employed, recently unemployed or returning to work after a break.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys host successful CyberCon virtual event
College bootcamps
NEW MEMBER PROFILE
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“Congratulations again on a great cyber event and hosting so many seminars.”
The South West Cyber Resilience Centre are spotlighting Phishing attacks which appear to be on the increase. Phishing is predominantly used to gain a foothold in organisations, and ransomware is then typically deployed within three days of the phishing event. "Focus detection and mitigation efforts at the phishing stage; it is often too late to stop ransomware once an attacker has spent three days in your network." Most recent phishing attacks targetting individuals appear to be from major organisations including the NHS and TSB. They seek personal information before clicking on a link in the email. The NCSC advice is: Go back to something you can trust DO NOT click on any links in the email. Instead visit the official website or log into your account if you have one Phone their advertised phone number. Don't use the links or contact details in the message you have been sent.
With 24 hours of streamed content, 47 global speakers, HCR's Cyber Conference was a hit with its 400 delegates. Cyber sessions included:- The threat from within - insider threats and commercial espionage Managing risk: cyber insurance Cyber governance for Directors Policing cyber Fighting back Growth stories, technology showcases
"Green skills are driven by regulation and are too reactive which doesn't show leadership or ambition"
PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
It will be interesting to see the impact of the gas price increase on the role of the Energy Manager within businesses. It is feasible that there are businesses that will need to engage more in ‘green’ options to survive.
Green Homes Grant: Local Authority Development (LAD) Phase 2: The Hub has received a total of £52,950,000 for LAD phase 2 which will run until 30 December 2021. The funding administered by the South West Energy Hub forms part of the £300 million funding allocated to the five Regional Energy Hubs by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Local Capacity Support: The Hub can support any projects which improve the way energy is used, supplied or distributed. Renewable energy generation schemes are our top priority for funding.
WPD have hands-on apprentices working with tech staff on realtime network management and 'smarter' systems but there are still specific skills gaps here.
"Green skills need to show value to the recipient and to businesses" Group discussion and feedback: Regional Skills Study Paper
"A triple-pronged approach among schools, families and communities would facilitate a behaviour change"
Funding opportunities
Bromford Housing are producing the first Net Zero homes in the Cotswolds
Robert Miles CEO, Immersa
"Invite 'green skills' specialists into schools and careers fairs to engage students and encourage this as a career pathway"
"New innovation, not just retrofit"
Energy Business group co-chair Simon Pickering has written an article about the best returns on investment which can be made by improving the energy performance of your house.
Innovate to Renovate: Local Authorities have been given funding to engage at base level with the social housing sector
Rural Community Energy Fund: Applications are encouraged at any time from Gloucestershire, especially for the Community Renewal Fund.
Gloucestershire lived up to its reputation as “the greenest county in Britain” at the Active Building Centre’s inaugural Gloucestershire COP on 21st October. Click on the video for a snapshot
VIEW STRATEGY
"There is very little advice on green skills in schools - is there a gap in the understanding at teacher level?"
"There needs to be a balance in the learning of academic and practical learning"
Views from the group will be fed back to the South West Energy Hub for further development
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Gloucestershire Sustainable Energy Strategy This strategy draws on the report of a project commissioned from the Centre for Sustainable Energy by GFirst LEP, funded by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It is based on an extensive evidence review and stakeholder engagement undertaken between May 2018 and October 2018, including a workshop involving some 50 stakeholders from all sectors in the county and the regular involvement of a strategy development steering group drawn from the GFirst LEP’s Energy Business Group.
Creating sustainable and affordable energy generation, Immersa offer consultancy and delivery of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Technologies, Demand Side Response (DSR), Distributed Generation (DG) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which is revolutionising the way we view and use our energy. Immersa was founded in April 2016 by Robert Miles, who identified the need for energy storage in order to support the predictability of renewable energy. Robert has some big visions for accelerating the renewable retrofit agenda which is a key priority of the county.
Energy
"How do we build Gloucestershire's ambition? What do we want to achieve?"
Retail Focus:
The fresh new look and layout includes a Borough Market style indoor market made up of an eclectic mix of fantastic local artisan traders.
With £3m of Growth Deal funding, and an additional £1m of GIIF funding via GFirst LEP, Dransfield Properties is revitalising the centre of Stroud’s shopping experience with a full renovation of Merrywalks Shopping Centre. Now named Five Valleys, the Retail group had a showround of the fabulous new retail destination in the heart of the town.
Five Valleys, Stroud
Retail and High Street
There is an increasing requirement for the development of market town retail areas because town centre areas are underperforming
Industry Updates:
Once this phase is completed, the mix will change from 80% retail, to 50% retail, 50% 'other'
Cheltenham BID opened their Christmas Market on the Promenade in November. Keen to offer trading space for locals, Market Place Europe ran a competition called Pitch Perfect, giving one lucky new business the opportunity to showcase their products to new audiences. Cheltenham based trader Soup Cans were the delighted winners. Selling gender neutral clothing, all their Tee's and Sweatshirts are Fair Trade Certified, organic and 100% cotton.
The County's Christmas Markets are back: Gloucester Docks will be the backdrop for the City's festive markets and ice skating rink. Christmas markets will also be taking place in Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Tewkesbury and Stroud from November.
The next phase of work will deliver a brand new medical centre consisting of two GP surgeries and a primary care centre expected to attract 5,000 midweek visitors per week. This phase is due for completion by Autumn 2022.
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is now running in the Cotswolds National Landscape. Created by DEFRA as part of their Agricultural Transition Plan, the programme has £2.5million of funding opportunities and will help farmers, land managers, and others to deliver work on the farmed landscape under the themes of climate, nature recovery, people, and place. Applications are now open until 31st January 2022
Industry Feedback
Berkeley Foodbank is now situated in it's new home at Dr. Edward Jenner's House Hosting Berkeley Foodbank continues a tradition of Dr Jenner’s House supporting those most at need in our community which was started by Edward Jenner when he offered free vaccination in a hut in his garden. The House reopens in 2022 to visitors and is grateful to crowdfunding efforts that raised over £45,000 to maintain the building, open it to visitors and run educational outreach programmes.
Visit Gloucestershire now has resource commitment from Gloucestershire County Council for development and delivery of the County's Tourism Strategy. The team are now working with the Tourism Strategy Board to develop the roadmap, and core themes. The team are looking at an event in early 2022 to highlight the high number of vacancies in the hospitality and tourism industry and will be engaging with businesses to tell their stories.
COTSWOLDS NATIONAL LANDSCAPE
COTSWOLD VALE & BERKELEY
"There is an increasing interest in Japanese and other International tours but more bespoke, and fewer 'mass' coach tours."
Cotswolds National Landscape are recruiting a NetZero Landscape Officer to drive the climate crisis commitment.
"Hospitality: Christmas is not full - we have not created many Christmas packages and Jan & Feb looks bleak before the Festival in March"
"Local business owners are working with Tewkesbury Borough Council to offer better signage and public realm: embedding positive attitudes towards tourism businesses."
Heritage and culture trails are being considered for 2022 to celebrate Edward Jenner's life. With a successful staycation season, they are searching for tourism ambassadors. Click on the logo for more information
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"Digitally enabled visitor information is working well - we need to work on local level solutions such as Visitor Information Cafes."
Visitor Economy & Tourism
Net Zero Survey
No nonsense. No small talk. No cost.
The Growth Hub offers a one-stop shop for support; be that funding, training or general expertise. There are very few providers that can offer the same services that The Growth Hub can, and that’s why we use them.
Peer Networks is a really good opportunity to speak to other businesses about the problems we’ve encountered, how we’ve got over them, what’s next for our business, and ways we can work with other people in the future. After our first session I spoke to another participant and we will be doing business together next year. We would never have known about one another if it wasn’t for Peer Networks.
Find out about Peer Networks
Growth Hubs
Access our online business support, attend our networking events and use The Growth Hub space. Growth Hubs are now open in Stroud, and the Forest of Dean, with Cheltenham well underway. This adds to the already-established Growth Hubs in Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Gloucester as well as information points in county libraries. Our in-house Business Navigators and Business Guides are on-hand to offer bespoke support to businesses that show moderate growth and high growth respectively. Want to grow, adapt and seize new opportunities while cutting your emissions, but not sure where to start? Complete our survey to help us help you.
I would wholeheartedly and absolutely recommend Peer Networks to every business leader looking for new ideas, fresh ways of thinking, and a sense of community.
Listen to inspiring business stories
Solve your problems without having to find, pay for, or rely on expensive consultants. The 2-hour free workshops, taking place over 12 weeks, will allow participants to share their own lessons and learn from those who have already been-there-done-that. Led by trained facilitators, each workshop is designed to produce solutions and answers, as well as build a trusted network for the future.
Partners:
GFirst LEP The Growth Hub Oxstalls Campus Oxstalls Lane Gloucester GL2 9HW T: 01242 715480 E: info@gfirstlep.com www.gfirstlep.com
