What happens when 25 ambitious entrepreneurs come together to learn, share, and grow? You get Peer 25 – a transformative peer learning programme that has been helping Reigate & Banstead business owners to build resilience, sharpen their skills, and support one another.
Funded by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and delivered by leadership and management training experts, MD Hub – www.mdhub.co.uk,Peer 25 has created a strong community, a safe space, and a catalyst for change.
Over the course of the 12-month programme, four peer groups of local business owners were formed, each carefully facilitated to nurture trust, accountability, and innovation. Through expert coaching and peer-to-peer learning, they have had the opportunity to take a step away from the day-to-day running of their businesses to focus on the future and their growth ambitions. They also benefited from tailored sessions on topics including the psychology of sales, finance for growth and how to harness the power of AI in business. The topics covered were not just theoretical but practical and immediately useful.
The programme’s impact is reflected in the feedback gained from participants and many of those comments are captured below. Based on how likely they would be to recommend it to others, Peer 25 scored a Net Promoter Score of 71.4% – putting it in the ‘world-class’ category!
Shared experience, shared strength
For participants, one of the most powerful aspects of Peer 25 has been the realisation that they are not alone. Running a business can be a lonely experience sometimes, so participants have valued the opportunity to come together with a ready-made peer sounding board to help them gain perspective and inspiration.
“Peer 25 has been a real opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes and successes… you also feed off their energy and enthusiasm.”
“The programme has made me more focused. I feel proud of our business. It’s reassuring that others face similar challenges.”
Accountability to drive action
The monthly peer group meetings soon became so much more than a diary entry. They were opportunities for reflection, motivation, and momentum. Peer 25 helped participants turn ideas into action and action into impact.
“It’s been a safe place to share issues and concerns, support others and be held accountable for tasks I commit to.”
“Meeting each month allows you to focus on your goals. Discussing these among your peers and hearing their point of view is refreshing and helpful.”
Tangible business growth
From hiring to pricing and growth to exit planning, Peer 25 has helped participants make strategic, informed decisions.
“The programme and my peer group motivated and supported me through becoming a Limited company and hiring staff for the first time.”
“The group’s contributions helped me change our pricing strategy, which is vital for our brand image and competition.”
“We have revised our growth strategy to focus on bigger opportunities and start planning an exit strategy.”
Personal growth and wellbeing
Beyond the strategy, Peer 25 has nurtured something much deeper – confidence, clarity, resilience and connection. The programme has reminded participants that growing a business also means growing as a person.
“It’s healthy to chat with other business owners and realise what my true qualities (and weaknesses) are.”
“I’m finding the programme very helpful to my business growth and for my own wellbeing. I’d be interested in continuing with something similar.”
Final thoughts
For many of the businesses that took part, they weren’t just mentoring sessions, they were lightbulb moments to take back to their businesses. Peer 25 has empowered local business leaders to learn from each other, challenge themselves, and build stronger, more resilient businesses.
The programme forms part of a suite of support delivered by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, all designed to help local businesses start, develop and grow. If you would like further information, please visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk or follow us on Instagram @rbbcbusiness.