President's column: It's all about listening

Has it struck you that in recent times many grants and initiatives have been announced but you rarely hear of their progress? writes Robert Elliot, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce.

Not always so.

Our Chamber have been instrumental in supporting the local authorities to make businesses aware of grants, and then ensuring funds were paid out.

The Peer Network Initiative is a government funded initiative that has been much publicised. It is now being delivered.

This week I started facilitating a cohort of businesses under this scheme. My group has 7 businesses, all slightly different markets, different employee numbers, varied turnover, and aspirations.

We learnt that while businesses currently have huge challenges, mostly Covid related, when discussion is had between these businesses there are opportunities that if developed can make a difference.

How does this work? You listen. You consider your thoughts. You draw on your experience. You offer ideas and suggestions. Your peers listen. They take away the ideas. Time will tell if these ideas work, but the fact they come from a place of knowledge and care will always improve the chances.

“I 'm struggling to find new contacts ” “I spend too much time on admin ” “No idea if Twitter would work for me ” “Lockdown shop closures have set us right back ” “We don 't seem to have a loyal customer base ”. Follow these with...

“Who has heard of this network? ” “Has anyone seen this new tech? ” “What social media works best? ” “How could you take your product online? ” “What do your customers think? ”

So, whether you are in a Government backed Peer Network, or just on Zoom with business friends. Listen, and feel you can comment and help - it could make all the difference.