Peer Networks Programme
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Alongside immediate financial support from the government and funders, there is a pressing need to adapt, become resilient and adopt new approaches.
That’s why we are running a peer-to-peer programme for the food hospitality sector, in partnership with the Greater London Authority and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
This fully-funded programme is a great opportunity for cafes, restaurants and pubs to receive tangible insights, find solutions and be held accountable by a supportive group of peers who are experiencing similar challenges or opportunities. Gain confidence in your business survival and resilience, as well as leadership and management abilities, with the support of a new network.
New Programme to Support Entrepreneurs
At Impact Hub King’s Cross we have been working hard to support our 380+ members through these challenging times, engaging them through our Community App, global network and business support programmes. We are seeing positive results already and we now want to do more to support the social enterprise sector!
That is why we are currently running a structured programme to help cafes, restaurants, and pubs to build resilient responses to the current crisis and support each other.
Our Cohort 1 Participants:
Deeneys, E5 Bakehouse, Luminary Bakery, Mooshies, Rita’s Dining, Second Shot Coffee, The Better World, and Today Bread
Programme Criteria
This programme is supporting businesses who have:
- Been operating for at least 1 year
- A cafe, restaurant or pub based in London
- At least 3 employees
- Over 100k turnover
- An aspiration to improve
- An openness to share
- A willingness to support peers
- The capacity to engage in all the programme engagements.
What Participants Say
“I think it’s beneficial to hear from other businesses how they are reacting to the current situation. It’s affecting everyone at the moment.”
– Jess from E5 Bakehouse
“Helpful to take a step back and think from a different perspective, especially as in this space we tend to get caught in the everyday. Sometimes you need other people with similar experiences to support you.” – Patrick from Deeney’s
“Really enjoying it so far. It’s really cool to be part of this programme and be in a more business environment focus. I love this peer learning and I am already generating many ideas.”
– Julius from Second Shot Coffee
Programme Schedule
The programme for our second cohort will require engagement on the following dates:
- JANUARY: 19, 26 (9.30am-12.00pm)
- FEBRUARY: 2, 9, 16, 23 (9.30am-12.00pm)
- MARCH: 2, 9, 16 (9.30am-12.00pm)
Programme Content
There are 9 x 2.5 hour online sessions (Zoom) totalling 22.5 hours total group support.
- 7 sessions are centred around topics suggested and selected by the cohort, with 30 mins allocated for participants to share any specific challenges they are facing.
- These will be recorded and circulated via email after the session so individuals can follow up with useful suggestions.
- Potential topics could include: diversifying revenue streams, financial forecasting and cash-flow management, supply chain management, sales and marketing (including promotions). In addition, Covid-related topics could include: adapting to social distancing, navigating government support, team management, entrepreneurial resilience and wellbeing.
Participants receive an initial 2.5 hours one-to-one meeting, focused on enterprise resilience.
- Action plans are established and then the necessary external advice is determined for each participant.
- An extensive review of business capabilities is carried out, in light of the current challenges and opportunities faced by the sector.
In addition to the in-depth one-to-one business diagnostic, each participant receives 2 x 1.5 hour support sessions.
Participants is matched with an expert mentor, selected from the Impact Hub King’s Cross network to offer additional support throughout the 10 weeks.
Participants will be paired with a different peer for weekly check-ins.
- Participants discuss business-related issues as well as other wellbeing support.
- The check-ins encourage participants to delve deeper into programme topics whilst building relationships with their peers.
Participants have priority access to all events organised and hosted by Impact hub King’s Cross as well as the opportunity to engage in additional membership benefits.
- For the Food and Hospitality sector, we hold ‘Food Talks’, a regular series of events on sustainable food run in partnership with the Food Ethics Council, Organico, and London Food Link, part of Sustain, the Alliance for Better Food and Farming. Guest speakers stimulate debate and empower people to take action on critical and contentious food issues.
Participants are offered a platform to engage with entrepreneurs from across the world.
- The App membership allows participants to enjoy the benefits of joining a global community of entrepreneurs, access resources, training and make important business connections with mentors, experts and potential partners.
- As part of ongoing support, participants have access to this platform for an additional 3 months after completing the programme (Usually £15/month).
