"Cheshire has lots of networking and referral marketing groups but nothing like this, we decided to start Roar to provide other business owners with time to spend working on their business."
Simon Walter
A couple from Cheshire has launched a mastermind group at Crewe Hall that aims to help business owners to prioritise personal development and plan for business growth.
Roar Business Coaching is a 12-month membership programme designed to provide peer-to-peer mentoring. Members meet monthly to share business concerns, offer advice, and work towards business goals.
The initiative is led by Simon and Cate Walter, a husband-and-wife team from Haslington, who co-own Rhino Safety, a health and safety consultancy based in Sandbach.
“Cate and I are members of a mastermind group in Birmingham, we’ve always found it hugely beneficial to surround ourselves with people who can help and support us,” said Simon Walter, director of Roar Business Coaching. “Cheshire has lots of networking and referral marketing groups but nothing like this, we decided to start Roar to provide other business owners with time to spend working on their business.
“Unlike networking, you won’t join the syndicate to promote your products or services, instead each member will act as a trusted adviser, bringing a unique skill-set and experiences.”
Crewe Hall was chosen as the venue for the monthly meet-ups due to its accessibility – two miles from Crewe train station.
The couple started Rhino Safety in 2015 – winning Start-up Business of the Year at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards – and have since grown to a team of seven and are finalists in the Business of the Year (under 25 employees) category at this year’s awards.
“Business owners, especially solopreneurs often neglect their own personal and professional development,” continued Simon. “Running a business can be quite isolating, although I have Cate to bounce ideas off, it’s great to have a sounding board that can offer a fresh prospective. Our members will be able to share ideas or concerns and get impartial advice from the other members of the group.”
In addition to the peer-led discussions, experts in a range of topics will speak at each meet-up, plus members will have access to a suite of online development courses.
“Every member who’s joined so far has their own reason for joining,” added Cate Walter, who has a background in HR and employment law.
“Whether their goal is to boost turnover, expansion, a change of direction for the business, or simply to build self-confidence, we provide a high level of accountability and members are encouraged to make measurable progress towards achieving their goal.
“The content of each meet-up will mimic real-life business situations, with expert speakers providing an insight into a wide range of topics, such as confidence, productivity, personal development, social media marketing and media training.”
For more information about Roar, visit www.roarbusinesscoaching.co.uk.
