The first of the Peer Learning groups launched by Be the Business and coordinated by The Family Business Network will commence next week. The groups are part of programme designed for family firm leaders in the North West of England, to tackle the unique challenges that can come with running a family business.

Every 6 weeks, like-minded business leaders will come together to work through real life business issues and complications. In a safe and supportive space, participants will explore ways to improve their business and refine their leadership skills.

Places are now available for the next two rounds of peer groups and anyone interested is asked to contact Sue in the first instance, via sue@fambiznet,co.uk

What is peer learning?

The peer learning groups will use action learning sets – a structured method which enables small groups to meet regularly and work through complicated issues together.

Each group will comprise of up to ten SME leaders and managers from family firms in the region. The groups will be put together to include members with common challenges and ambition for their businesses, but also to ensure that no direct competitors or representatives from the same firm are within a group.

What’s involved?

Half-day monthly sessions will be overseen by a pair of trained facilitators. Discussions are confidential, so participants will need to be prepared to get candid in sharing concerns and challenges, as well as offering open and honest feedback.

Groups will be held in Kendal, Penrith and Preston.

What can business leaders gain?

• A supportive group of trusted business leaders to work through real life business issues and complications
• Confidence to act and make decisive changes in their business
• Support developing leadership skills needed to make a business thrive, like listening and awareness, coaching and precision questioning
• Support during transitioning leadership
• A sounding board to challenge thinking and strategies
• Significantly enhanced professional networks

Stephen Gregson, corporate finance director at MHA Moore and Smalley, and one of our trained facilitators said: “Consultants and advisers can bring a great deal of insight and support to businesses and their management teams – but sometimes there can be no substitute from learning from the direct experiences of other owners and business leaders. Our peer learning groups are small, discrete and safe environments to share challenges and carry out this learning from peers across other family businesses.”