A company formed by two experts in different fields is set to help more organisations create socially and environmentally connected workplaces thanks to the support from a philanthropic support structure.
The Experience Bank™ was founded by Peter Neal to help small organisations with purpose, by introducing them to a plethora of experienced NEDs and board advisors, enabling them to grow and thrive.
Owners of Venture Zero, Clare Blunt and Claire Thew were introduced to Peter via the NatWest Accelerator, and he immediately saw how he could help them.
Between Clare and Claire’s experience, Venture Zero is unique in the space they are working in, bringing an holistic approach viewed through the lens of sustainable wellbeing. Working with organisations such as Newcastle Building Society, Sage, Ward Hadaway, Quorum Business Park, Newcastle University, Tyneside Cinema and Axa Health, the team help navigation through uncertainty, disruption and change, because of challenges with mental health, hybrid working, the climate crisis and much more.
And now poised to help more, an advisory board of four experts has been formed, thanks to introductions via The Experience Bank™.
Miriam Harte brings a host of experience in the charity and third sector; Susan Bell has a plethora of knowledge about IT and coaching; David Horn is a successful business owner bringing lived in focus and Kieran James comes from a background in finance.
Claire Thew said: “Peter introduced us to a great choice of board advisors who were interested in supporting us having seen our pitch deck. We are delighted to be working with the four we chose, as all had something different that we thought useful for us at the current time – we are also confident that others we spoke with will be right to reconnect later in the future.”
The newly formed team meet once a quarter face to face, with the board advisors bringing invaluable experience and knowledge sharing.
Clare Blunt said: “Working with The Experience Bank™ was a great experience, informal and relaxed, as Peter talked through the process and what was expected. He gave us pointers for our pitch deck to attract the best offers of support and encouraged us to touch base with all responders.
“He held our hand and was informative on some extra considerations of candidates without influencing us. Peter has checked in regularly since, and we can’t recommend the process to other organisations wanting to grow and needing philanthropic help to get to the next stage. Because of the support our mental health first aid training and carbon health training is available to even more people, having an even bigger impact on our region’s business community.”
Venture Zero launched a business forum earlier this year – the Sustainable Wellbeing Forum. The aim has been to create a North East network of businesses that are purpose driven doing great stuff and want to share; or those who want to do better in community and society, wellbeing and the environment. The forum is an Informal network setting with speakers, activities and a networking breakfast, sharing ideas of good practice of what can be done in the different areas.
Peter, who has helped scores of purpose-led businesses achieve more, said: “Venture Zero represents something that is becoming a pressure for many businesses, to have a positive impact on people, our planet and their own profitability by developing socially and environmentally connected workplaces. It has been a honour to support them and I will be watching their progress with interest!”
www.venturezero.co.uk
www.theexperiencebank.co.uk
