I did not have the opportunity to sow during autumn, because of the
conditions.
I sowed some 50 "The Sutton" without soaking 3 weeks ago and with what it
says on the packets, sow every 2 weeks to avoid a glut.
As we love broad beans and can't have too many, I sowed some that I had
soaked prior to sowing. I sowed them 10 days ago and they are up at the
same time as the non-soaked. They are exactly the same seed source and date
on the packet.
A tip? I don't know about that but it seems at first glance that soaking
might work prior to sowing and I will do it next year and see what happens.

Baz