The Peer Networks Programme was a national business support initiative launched in August 2020 by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England. Delivered through 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), the programme aimed to improve SME productivity and resilience.
The programme adopted a "designed nationally, delivered locally" approach, tailoring its delivery to meet local business needs and support structures. SMEs were grouped into cohorts by their local LEP and engaged in virtual Action Learning Sets (ALS) alongside one and a half days of in-person one-to-one coaching. The delivery of this programme was adapted to provide support for SMEs in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and concluded in March 2022.
Wavehill, in partnership with BMG and the Enterprise Research Centre, was commissioned to evaluate the second year of the Peer Networks Programme during 2021–22. The evaluation assessed the programme’s performance across different LEP areas, reviewed its delivery mechanisms, and tested the theory of change underpinning its objectives. Key aims included determining whether the programme achieved its intended outcomes, such as improved SME productivity and resilience, and assessing its influence on business behaviours. Given the programme’s need to pivot in response to the pandemic, further outcomes associated with peer support for participating SMEs became apparent. The findings also provided evidence to inform future funding decisions and the design of similar initiatives.
The evaluation revealed that the programme was highly effective in delivering tailored support to SMEs, particularly during a period of economic uncertainty. By combining robust national design with flexible local implementation, the programme successfully addressed the diverse needs of businesses across England. The evaluation noted that its approach was well-received by both national and local delivery partners, who praised the balance between centralised programme design and localised recruitment and delivery. Its use of collaborative action learning and personalised coaching enabled participants to enhance their productivity, adapt to new challenges, and build long-term resilience.
The insights from Wavehill’s evaluation underscore the value of the "designed nationally, delivered locally" model in striking a balance between consistent programme standards and adaptability to local contexts. These findings are expected to guide the development of future business support initiatives, ensuring continued benefits for SMEs and the wider economy.
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