The Hidden Gaps Networking - I don't know what I don't know!

The Hidden Gaps Networking

Learn & Connect: Stay Ahead in a World Where Skills Expire Faster Than We Learn Them

Skills are becoming outdated faster than we can learn new ones. For SME founders and leaders, this is a growing challenge—you’re expected to manage sales, operations, hiring, finance, and strategy while also keeping pace with disruptive change in technology and behaviour.

It’s no wonder so many leaders feel isolated and overwhelmed.

That’s why we created Learn & Connect with The Hidden Gaps Networking!

People say:

• “It’s the curveballs you don’t see coming.”
• “You don’t know the questions until you hear the answers.”
• “The scariest problems are the ones you don’t even see.”
• “Like stepping on Lego in the dark – you never saw it coming.” (light-hearted)
• “You don’t know the missing piece until someone hands it to you.”

This event combines:

• Expert speakers sharing practical, actionable strategies you can use immediately.
• Quality networking with SME peers who understand the same challenges you face.
• Growth opportunities to sharpen your skills, share insights, and build meaningful relationships that support long-term success.

We’ll tackle the biggest pains of SME leaders, including:

• AI is moving faster than our teams can keep up.
• Our people resist change, even when the market demands it.
• Clients expect innovation, but budgets are tight.
• Tech markets shift so quickly, yesterday’s strategy already feels obsolete.
• We invest in training, but behaviour in the organisation doesn’t change fast enough.

Or even:

• “I don’t know what I don’t know.”
• “Too busy working in the business to work on the business.”
• “Networking feels shallow.”
• “Scaling feels overwhelming.”
• “It’s lonely at the top.”

✨ Learn & Connect is the antidote: helping you keep skills sharp, adapt to change, and build relationships that fuel sustainable business growth.

Is Training Downtime or Strategic Strength?

Is training downtime or strategic strength ? A common question amongst many SME's and leaders, there many key attributes of training/upskilling.

-Able to stay up to do date with the ever evolving market, implenting things like AI can streamline process and giving team members more time to focus on business strategy.

-Reduces the ceiling of the business, team members can do more leading better scaling and growth

-Increased staff retention, team members feel more valued when given the ability to learn new things and take on more responsbility. Allowing for a connected team and reduced recruitment costs.

How to do this in a small business without breaking the bank account?

At Step8up we offer low cost training courses in:

-AI across 2 levels (Essential, Foundation) to suit what's necessary for your business

-Agile management to ensure SME's are prepared for anything

-Level 4 Web Developer (Full Stack) courses fully funded by the government to upskill and create new career path for those wanting change

-Power BI course

These courses are effective as we have dedicated trainers who enjoy teaching and mentoring, taking pride in helping SME's grow and individuals succeed. Did I also mention that we are a BCS accredited training partner!

Aspiring individuals also welcome!

We also welcome eager individuals hoping to learn new skills and make new connections. At Step8Up we believe that collaboration and partnerships are the key to success, whether it's constructive advice or looking out for each other. It allows for skills growth and critical thinking.

To learn more visit https://www.step8up.co.uk/the-academy/

Get in contact we would love to start building a relationship!