New networking venture proves instant hit
A BUSINESS networking venture set up to fill the void created by the closure of so many West Midland public sector support projects has proved an instant hit.
More than 125 delegates turned up for the first Friday Business Connection and more are expected when the second event takes place on Friday.
Held in partnership with TGI Friday’s in Birmingham, the event is aimed at local entrepreneurs, SMEs from all sectors, professional service firms and potential funders.
The venture successfully enlisted the support of HSBC for the first function and other banks and blue chip companies have expressed an interest in sponsoring future events.
David Ledbury, one of the driving forces behind the concept, said: “The feedback we were getting locally was that companies and entrepreneurs were keen to have access to some form of networking event that kept them in touch with key contacts and opened up new opportunities for them.
“They wanted somewhere enjoyable they could continue to meet with businesses and professionals in the region to access the latest advice and guidance and importantly they wanted the event at a time that was most convenient.
“After significant research, we found that most people preferred a Friday lunchtime meeting as opposed to early in the morning or late in the evening, which cut into their time at home. We then got in touch with TGI Friday’s and the venture was born.”
The event will be staged on the first Friday of each month from 12.30pm and this month the Manufacturing Advisory Service-West Midlands Auto project is adding its support by bringing 20 manufacturing companies along and providing an update on the recently announced new MAS offer in 2012.
Further dates have also been confirmed as December 2, January 13 and February 10, with the company keen to take the format into other parts of the region.
Paul Hingley, of Blackberry, said: “The region has been crying out for this type of networking event and the fact over 125 people turned up for the first one reinforces this fact.
“I made lots of good contacts on the day and have several new business opportunities that I’ll be following up.”
For more information people should visit www.fridayconnection.com
Pictured at the launch of the Friday Business Connection are, from left: David Ledbury, FBC, Tracy Lacey, HSBC, Steve Ricketts, TGI Friday and Carol Slater, FBC
