Sign up to new business networks

January 11, 2021

Business leaders across multiple industry sectors still have time to sign up to new Peer Networks being introduced to support recovery and growth post-pandemic.
Scores of business owners and directors have already registered to take part in the programme, which is fully funded by the Government and being delivered throughout the Marches LEP region.
The networks bring together businesses to tackle common challenges and take advantage of potential opportunities with companies already registered reporting improved productivity and better business performance.
LEP Partnership Manager Kathryn Jones said business leaders who sign up will also benefit from expert 1-2-1 advice from a business expert as part of the programme, which is being run online.
“We’ve been encouraged by the level of interest in the Peer Networks which are launching this month. There is still time to sign up for the first sessions which are being held in the next week or two, and we’d urge businesses to visit the Marches Growth Hub website to check eligibility and find out more.
“We are targeting specific business sectors currently, including manufacturing, cyber, and health and social care but there is also a network for companies looking to scale-up for growth.”
The Marches LEP has appointed IBD Group, Biz-Smart and Neale Lewis Associates to deliver the Peer Networks.
Kathryn added: “There is a time commitment of about 18 hours required from the business taking part between January and the end of March. Businesses also need to meet eligibility criteria, including having been operating for at least a year, with five or more employees, a turnover of at least £100,000 and an aspiration to improve business output.”
The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and there is no cost to the business/individual participating.
You can read more and register for the Peer Networks here

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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