A popular free online peer-to-peer networking group set up by Boost during the start of the pandemic is celebrating its first anniversary.

Boost’s Let’s Get Talking group, initiated by Jaydee Davis, Boost Growth Mentoring director, (CB Partners), and Peter Dickinson a Boost growth mentor, began the online group in May 2020 with a view to supporting local business leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sessions are facilitated by Peter Dickinson from KUB, who is a digital and marketing specialist. Jaydee and Peter’s vision at the outset was to encourage Lancashire business owners and leaders including those from Boost’s growth programmes, to keep in touch and support each other.

Ann Lancaster from Orvia also introduced members to the group via Boost’s Growth Mentoring programme.

The key objective for them all is to offer a place where people felt relaxed and confident to discuss their issues and concerns together.

Jaydee said; “Peter and I just felt that there needed to be a space where people could talk and not feel pressured into any commitment or fixed agenda. Peter is an experienced facilitator and knows how to make everyone feel comfortable during the group sessions. He offers his time voluntary to facilitate the meetings, simply keen to give something back to the businesspeople of Lancashire as we all navigate through such difficult times.

“It has since been opened up to a wider Lancashire audience as attendees have invited work colleagues and business partners to join and a year later it is still going strong.”

The one-hour sessions, held every Wednesday morning, cover ‘issues of the moment’, in a confidential and secure environment. Peter runs a poll to choose the most popular topic of the week, usually based around business strategies, the economy, or the current business climate.

“Working alone from home can be a really lonely experience and attending every Wednesday morning with likeminded businesspeople has been so supportive through this unusual year. I’ve learned so much and I would highly recommend it.” Rachel Ratcliffe, Pudalicious

Each week there is a ‘spotlight session’ where each participant can chat about their business and receive tips and support and they also discuss each person’s goals for the next 30, 60 and 90 days.

The group usually has between 10 to 16 people online each week, some who have been there since the start. They include a range of sectors and professionals from manufacturers to marketing specialists and consultants.

“The group has given me an insight into how businesses are surviving and thriving during this time. The expertise in these groups in second to none with decades and centuries of combined experience. Each week we talk about a new topic which is relevant to every business.” Jason Govindji-Bruce, NORI HR

Jaydee added: “It’s such a relaxed environment, we have a cake maker who mixes as she chats, and we have a silverware designer seated at his work bench. There’s no commitment to join each Wednesday, join as, and when you need. For some it is also a wellbeing group and we make sure to check up on each other via our WhatsApp group.

“In July we are planning a face-to-face walk at The Haslingden Halo (Rawtenstall) and it’s going to be quite exciting to meet everyone in person for the first time!”

“I was invited along to meet business owners, professionals and coaches to help me reach my own business goals. The group has helped me share, ideas and success stories – it has been fantastic. On a personal note it’s helped me through what we all know has been a stressful time a stressful time.” Andy McKinney, Gameplan Financial

Boost’s Let’s Get Talking is held every Wednesday morning between 8.00am and 9.00pm. The sessions are held online via Zoom. You can register to join each and every Wednesday session using this one link: Boost: Let’s Get Talking – Peer group sessions