Ethnically diverse professionals offered networking and mentoring opportunities

Ethnically diverse professionals and senior leadership business members in the Solent region are being invited to join the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) new peer networking programme to build networks and strengthen their business.

Those taking part in the 2023 programme will be able to learn from each other’s experience and establish trusted connections during tailor-made sessions.

The Solent LEP’s Chair, and Equality and Diversity Champion, Rachael Randall said: “This is an excellent opportunity for decision makers from ethnically diverse communities – this could be a team leader, manager, or owner – to boost their knowledge for future success, and to connect with people from similar backgrounds, who may have encountered comparable challenges and opportunities as professionals in Solent-based businesses. They’ll be able to share and discuss their experiences with trusted peers, working in small groups on common business issues, discussing challenges and implementing workable solutions.

“I urge anybody who thinks they might benefit from this peer networking opportunity to register with us – the start date is 22 March, so don’t miss out.”

The free programme aims to connect business people based in the Solent, and offers those taking part the opportunity to share their experiences, and best practice, while offering opportunities to build new and collaborative business relationships which will benefit both their business and their own professional development.

Open to local decision-makers from businesses with a turnover of more than £1m, the programme is free to participants and delivered through a partnership between the Solent LEP, Barclays and Menzies LLP. It will be conducted through a mixture of face-to-face and online peer group sessions with 12 participants from the ethnically diverse business community.

Phil Wright, from Menzies, said: “It’s always interesting to understand the complexity of different businesses and the passion and drive of the people making it a success. That’s what makes our job so rewarding and why we are proud to work alongside the Solent LEP and Barclays as part of the ‘Peer Network for Ethnically Diverse Professionals’. We are looking forward to supporting business owners wherever we can, helping them to exceed their business goals and aspirations.”

Mark Stuckey, from Barclays, said: “We’re committed to enhancing social inclusion in our communities, so are delighted to be working in partnership with the Solent LEP and Menzies to connect ethnically diverse local business leaders, learn from shared experiences and support their businesses to thrive.”

Participants will be encouraged to consider situations from different perspectives and improve productivity; get help in implementing change; build a trusted network of connections and improve their personal and business performance in the long-term.

If you are interested in finding out more, please visit https://solentlep.org.uk/ethnically-diverse-peer-networking/