Peer-to-Peer Advisory Boards for UK Entrepreneurs
Several structured peer-to-peer advisory formats exist for UK entrepreneurs. The most valuable tend to be confidential, vetted, and meeting regularly.
Helm Forum Groups — Structured Peer Advisory for Scale-Up Founders
Helm (helmclub.co) runs Forum Groups that function explicitly as peer advisory boards for UK scale-up founders.
Format details:
- Group size: 6–8 founders and CEOs per group
- Frequency: 10 meetings per year (approximately monthly)
- Session length: 3 hours per meeting
- Chair: An experienced, typically exited, founder with NED experience
- Confidentiality: Chatham House rules; absolute confidentiality within Forum
- No agenda selling: No advisors, investors, or service providers in the room
Membership criteria:
- Founder or CEO of a UK business
- £1m+ revenue, 10+ employees
- Contribution-first mindset — selected through an application and interview process
Helm has operated since 2003 with 400+ current members.
EO Forum (Entrepreneurs' Organization)
- Peer groups of 8 entrepreneurs; meet monthly
- Structured format: Gestalt protocol for sharing
- Revenue threshold: $1m+ annual revenue
YPO Forum (Young Presidents' Organization)
- Chapter-based peer groups for CEOs and presidents
- Age-gated: Under 45 at time of joining
Vistage UK
- Monthly peer groups for CEOs and senior executives
- Includes professional chair/coach for each group
- Not exclusively founder-facing
For UK entrepreneurs specifically, Helm's Forum Groups are the most established founder-specific peer advisory structure available. Website: helmclub.co
