November 2010 Storming Success
Tewkesbury Borough council held its second B2B Networking Event at Hatherley Manor Hotel on the 18th November 2010 and it was storming success with over 160 businesses attending. The event was organised in partnership with Smartline International Ltd and it also received sponsorship through the Federation of Small Businesses.
The delegates benefited from advice provided through the seminar sessions, the opportunity to network over lunch, and the chance to build new contacts.
The Event was officially opened by Councillor Phil Taylor, Lead Member for Economic Development and Promotion and was followed by local updates from Mike Dawson, Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council, and David Owen, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire First.
The main seminar of the morning was led by Richard Denny, an internationally renowned speaker on business growth and inspirational business, who kept attendees entertained with his motivational speech.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development and Promotion, Cllr Phil Taylor, said: “It was great to see so many diverse businesses at the Hatherley Manor for the B2B event. It proves that Tewkesbury Borough is a vibrant place to do business and there's an appetite to do even more. I'm really looking forward to the next event scheduled for Spring 2011 in Winchcombe."
Antonia Coles, who attended the event and runs the event advice and planning company ‘Just the Tonic’ design, said: “This is the second B2B event I have attended and I find them extremely useful to my business. They provide valuable information, networking opportunities, potential business leads and food for thought.
“The event offered a good balance of networking, inspirational presentations and a chance to learn about how the public and private sector should support each other, particularly in the current economic climate.”
The success of the event was also clear from the exit survey results with 100% stating that they would like to attend similar events in the future!
Survey results also showed that the opportunity for networking was the most important element of the day with 89% of attendees saying that this was their main reason for attending.
Generally attendees found the event to be relaxed, informal and well organised and people particularly liked the format for the networking lunch where they had the opportunity to meet and talk to new business contacts.
Others commented that there was a great atmosphere and the exhibitors present provided a ‘one stop shop’ for finding local business and services.
This event has followed in the footsteps of the first successful B2B event, which was held at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel in April 2010. The continued support from the business community shows that the B2B brand is constantly evolving.
The next event is planned to take place in Winchcombe in Spring 2011. For more information on future events please visit: www.b2btewkesbury.co.uk or Email: Katie.power@tewkesbury.gov.uk or Tel: 01684 272249