For the 10x NorthWest Entrepreneurship Exchange, Active Peers AI built an app to help people take part, connect and keep the conversation going. Participants could download speaker presentations, browse fellow attendees’ LinkedIn profiles and share feedback during the event, making it easier to build useful connections and follow up afterwards. Through short talks, structured mentoring and peer learning, they explored practical ways to grow a business: spotting where potential customers drop off before becoming paying customers, preparing for mentor conversations, following up after events, communicating milestones and understanding a funder’s perspective. Organisers could also respond to feedback in real time and help the event run smoothly.

Now in its second year, the programme has been delivered by Susan HayesCulleton on both occasions. Its impact is reflected in the return of a previous participant as a mentor for this year’s cohort. Keith Sleater, of Sleater Solutions, reported 50% sales growth after taking the advice to “work on the business, not in the business.” Having experienced the value of the programme first-hand, Keith was happy to join the mentor team this year to pass on his experience and insights.