THE Greater Peterborough Partnership is launching a weekly support and networking group for managers and professionals made redundant as a result of the economic downturn.

The first meeting of the Back To Business Club will be held on Thursday 3 September from 2-5pm at Peterborough College of Adult Education. Anyone living in the Peterborough area who is actively seeking work is welcome to attend on a drop-in basis. There is no charge, no need to register in advance and refreshments are provided. Smart dress is preferred.

The Back to Business Club aims to help out-of-work managers and professionals to maintain their confidence and motivation as they seek to return to the workplace, through networking with others in the same position and through sign-posting to support services.  The club has been formed following a steep rise in redundancies of people in Peterborough, as a result of the economic downturn, and a lack of services currently targeted at managers and professionals who have previously been in work for several years.

The club will operate as a drop-in networking event designed to bring together like-minded people – those serious about getting back into the workplace. In addition, it will provide information and clear sign-posting to a range of support services that can help people back to work. Every fortnight the club will include a workshop on topics such as CV writing, interview techniques, setting up your own business, as well as talks by city leaders on subjects such as the local economy.

The Back to Business Club has been set up by the Greater Peterborough Partnership, Peterborough’s local strategic partnership, following a request from MP Stewart Jackson who felt there was a lack of support for professionals who had suddenly become out of work.

Stewart Jackson said, “I really welcome this initiative. Being made redundant can be a very stressful and isolating time. The Back to Business Club will provide opportunities for out-of-work professionals to meet other people, exchange views and advise each other as well as helping them understand and access the range of support services that are available in Peterborough. I hope the Club will help Peterborough’s talented people to return quickly to the workplace.”

Join the LinkedIn group ‘Back to Business’.

Please call Hannah at GPP on 01733 207340 or email hannah@gpp-peterborough.org.uk to register to come along to the back to business meeting, or drop in on the day.