How did you find your experience with Scale-Ability’s Peer Network Group?
I came to the Peer Networks programme, the government-backed national business support programme to strengthen business resilience for Lancashire businesses powered by Boost Lancashire, after it was recommended to me by a business consultant.
When I came to the Scale-Ability-delivered Peer Network Group sessions, I was sceptical. I thought it would be like other paid-for lead-generation networking groups I had attended in the past and hadn’t found useful.
However, I found real value in Peer Networks in an honest, open and safe environment where everyone opened up. We were able to share our stories and relate to other business leaders’ challenges and experiences in a safe and supported space.
What challenge did this help you with?
I needed to grow my team and wanted a strategy and direction, with which I felt comfortable to move forward. Talking with the group and listening to their experience, I recognised that, at this point in the development of the business, I wanted a change from previous hiring methods and to move away from a flat staffing structure.
It changed my mindset and was instrumental in helping me to start thinking differently.
Scale-Ability’s Paul Aisthorpe helped us to start our journey by nurturing the group dynamics and supported our group in flowing and find our own direction.
Our group has found the Peer Networks experience so beneficial and wants to carry on beyond the government scheme.
The benefits of coaching
Paul was assigned to me as a good fit for the one-to-one coaching element of the programme. This has worked well because he has the experience to recognise and understand my management style and has the right demeanour for me. We have looked at my current challenges and he helps me to work through and find my own solutions. You can become blinkered in business and this has helped to open my eyes.
I’ve found the whole experience 100% positive for building the future of the business.
Gary Forster has been running the UK Bathroom Store, an online store offering high quality branded bathrooms direct to the consumer since 2007.