Bridgwater Chamber networking event 8th October 2015
The latest networking event was held at the new Mcmillan Theatre at Bridgwater College.
The event was very successful with an excellent attendance and without doubt everyone appreciated the superb facilities and surroundings of the venue. It is a wonderful theatre and something that showcases the growth, potential and optimism in the future of the Bridgwater and the surrounding area.
The morning started with a networking session that gave attendees an informal atmosphere in which to meet, talk and enjoy a tasty breakfast roll with coffee and fruit juice.
The speakers for the day were David Hall – Deputy Leader Somerset County Council, who talked about Growth and Economic Development from the County Councils perspective, the challenges it faced, and how it was planning to meet those challenges.
David explained about the changing population of Somerset and how growth and infrastructure, both transport and ICT, were vital to future prosperity. We need to build on our reputation in nuclear, low carbon energy, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and food and drink, on how we needed to ensure that the workforce was appropriately skilled and aspirational and that the county has good and adequate housing.
It was good to hear that Somerset County Council has robust plans to meet the challenges and this bodes well for the future.
If you want to find out more about the Councils plans you can look at the Somerset County Council website @ www.somerset.gov.uk
Our Second speaker, Abbie Kench – Managing Director of The Team Experience, gave an inspirational talk about the benefits of networking.
Most people in the theatre recognised that networking can be scary, uncomfortable and daunting but once it was reinforced why we did it and the benefits of networking it put a positive and exciting perspective on networking.
Abbie outlined 5 points that can help us be more effective when networking and how this can help our business.
- Change your mind set
- Instead of thinking: “What can I get out of this event? ” Change to: “What can I give at this event?”
- Engage effectively
- Practise active listening: Reflect what you hear…Reflect what you see…
- Help people
- Communicate your enthusiasm and passion
- Be memorable
- Think about the brand you represent
If you want to hear more about Abbie or see how she could help your business she can be contacted @ www.TheTeamExperience.com
Last but no means least was Matt Tudor – Director of Business Development and International Strategy, Bridgwater College whose talk focused on apprenticeships.
Matt was able to pass on to us his enthusiasm and passion for young people and the skills that they can bring to enhance our businesses. Apprenticeships are a good option for school leavers as an alternative to university and a number of apprenticeship courses at the college can lead to a degree.
If you want to find out more or how you can take on an apprentice please visit the college website @ www.bridgwater.ac.uk.
