+  collaborative networks
What is a Collaborative Network?
A Collaborative Network brings together a group of companies to focus on mutually beneficial issues by sharing knowledge and resources. The aim is to help businesses achieve benefits, which they cannot achieve on their own.

Who can take part?
Any group of companies with common issues can form a network. The companies taking part could be part of a supply chain, or they could be members of an industry sector or Trade Association.

What issues can they look at?
The network will typically address a series of key objectives around a theme and can focus on whatever issues are relevant to the group in question - they therefore have a very individualised focus.

For example:

+ Lean Manufacturing Techniques
+ Investigating new markets
+ Strategic Development
+ Implementing British Standards - Environment, Quality, Health & Safety
+ Human Resources - Succession Planning etc.
+ Business Excellence and Implementing Change
+ Product Development
+ Supplier / Supply Chain Development
+ A combination of any of the above and more!

Those taking part in the network shape its direction and delivery to ensure it meets their requirements in terms of content, style and mode of delivery, and most importantly, in results delivered.

What are the benefits?
The specific benefits will vary according to the 'theme' of the network, but fundamentally the advantages will lie in addressing the challenges that your business is currently facing, allowing you to learn from the experience of others and from the advice and support of a respected expert in their field.

Collaborative Networks provide high value for money for those taking part from a relatively low investment. They provide access to consultancy expertise at a fraction of the cost of obtaining such support individually.

How much does it cost?
Costs will typically be £1000-£2000 per company taking part in order to receive consultancy support that individually would cost much more. This would involve a number of group sessions and modules, with some on site support.

Obviously, the level of costs will depend on the programme of work required, in particular the number of on-site support days needed with each company and the duration of the network.

The cost for each company can also be subsidised by a Trade Association, Regional Development Agency etc.

The aim is to ensure that costs are not prohibitive for companies taking part, and the programme can be tailored to ensure that they get the level of support they need at a price they can justify.

Setting up a Collaborative Network
Collaborative networks can be set up by individual companies or via a representative body such as a Trade Association.

We can also help companies set up a network if a need is identified.
The first step is to establish a group of companies with common issues, such as Trade Association members, and then to establish themes for potential networks.

If you are interested in setting up or being involved in a Collaborative Network, please call either Jacqueline or Grenville Allman on 01295 690573 or click here and complete our contact form and we will be happy to call you to discuss your requirements with you.