Lancashire LGBT+ business leaders to get a Boost this LGBT+ history month

LGBT+ business owners and leaders in Lancashire are being invited to take part in a new funded programme which will allow them to work with other business owners to tackle key business challenges and maximise new opportunities.

This February marks 19 years since the first LGBT+ History Month. Founded in 1994 and observed in the UK since 2005.  It is a chance to reflect on the gains made for LGBT+ people in the workplace and the work still to be done. Months like this give businesses a chance to celebrate leadership and create positive change.

The fully funded Boost Business Owners Network has been launched by Lancashire County Council through Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. As one of the leading business support organisations delivering the programme, CIRCLE Leadership are delivering a dedicated cohort for LGBT+ business leaders.

Mark Bayley-Smyth, CEO of CIRCLE Leadership explained: “The workplace is where the majority of us spend most of our time, however many LGBT+ leaders are unable to bring their whole selves to work. Having spent many years running diverse businesses, I am only too familiar with the difficulties, challenges, frustrations and at times the sheer loneliness and isolation it can bring as a gay man and leader.

I know that small business owners value connecting with their peers and learning from shared experiences, and this dedicated cohort is a great opportunity for LGBT+ business owners and senior leaders to build a quality, trusted network of likeminded contacts while receiving tailored advice and support which will improve their business performance.”

They will work together in the group of up to 11 likeminded leaders, facilitated by an expert LGBT business mentor, to share and address their common challenges and understand how to maximise opportunities to grow and develop their business.

Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “The creation of Boost Business Owners Network is part of our new Helping Lancashire Businesses campaign.

“Every business owner has a wealth of skills and expertise. Bringing business owners and leaders together will allow them to share and solve unique challenges and also maximise on emerging business trends and opportunities.

“The best part is the service is fully funded by Lancashire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund so there is no cost to businesses for taking part.”

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). It is supported by funding from Lancashire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The LGBT+ Boost Business Owners Network is eligible to small and medium sized businesses based in Lancashire, employing less than 250 full time staff or with a turnover of less than €50m. For full eligibility criteria, please visit the Boost website.

Further information and contact details for enquiries and for businesses to register their interest can be found on the LGBT+ Boost website: 

https://circleleadership.co.uk/LGBT_BoostBusinessOwnersNetwork

About Boost:

Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). It is supported by funding from Lancashire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The role of Boost is to help growth-hungry Lancashire businesses realise their potential by providing simple access to a range of leading-edge funded programmes, delivered by specialists with a track record of growing established and innovative start-up businesses. Boost also helps businesses access specialist private sector business support, as well as other nationally funded programmes, where relevant.

Since its inception in July 2013, Boost has provided growth advice and support to over 12,000 businesses across Lancashire, with many benefiting from tailored programmes of consultancy, grants or mentoring to support their growth. Boost has so far helped to create over 3,000 jobs and generated new economic activity valued in excess of £100m.

Boost has received £1.9m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.