DATE: 10 July 2008

PARTNERS

The Elms Restaurant, the Business Broker Project

BACKGROUND

Following on from Let’s Do Networking many local businesses had commented that they would like to see more regular events from the Business Brokers, where they could meet up with local organisations to network, and hear from guest speakers, who could help them to move their businesses forward. In response to this the brokers came up with the idea of a lunchtime networking event.  As they also wanted to raise the awareness of local restaurants – a sector they had not worked with before - it was agreed that each event would be held at a different food venue throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. The business brokers would sponsor the event, which would be free of charge to local organisations from any sector. The events would also be used as a platform to promote the support that the brokers provide and raise the awareness of other publicly funded initiatives.

OBJECTIVE

• To provide an environment where local organisations can network for two hours over lunch and foster better working relationships between the private, public and voluntary sectors, whilst getting advice from guest speakers about topics relating to progressing their business plans
• To engage with local restaurants and encourage their involvement in the community
• To promote local restaurants throughout the community as the number one choice for dining out

THE ACTIVITY

Local organisations registered to come along to a two- hour lunchtime event where the agenda would include:

12.00 - 12.30  Networking and guest speaker

12.30 - 13.30 Seated lunch session

13.30 - 14.30 Coffee and networking

The event was held at The Elms Restaurant in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent.

IMPACT

40 delegates attended to network and hear from Sanjay Shah, professional speaker, about 'Making Life in Business Easy'. The profile of The Elms Restaurant, a minority business in an area of major intervention, was also raised.

QUOTES
"The 'Let's Do Lunch' session held recently at the Elms Restaurant was a great opportunity to network with a variety of local business along with the chance to hear an interesting talk from guest motivational speaker 'Sanjay Shah'. To finish the occasion we had excellent food served to us from the hosts. The event was well worth attending and we look forward to attending future events with Business Brokers."
Shane O'Toole , Director, RESOLVE HR Ltd

"Let’s Do Lunch provided a relaxing and warm environment to form new contacts in.  As a result of the lunch I generated two sales and was able to offer advice to businesses on how to get the most out of their advertising.  It was well worth taking the time out of my schedule. Many thanks!"
Tammy Willett, Advertising, Staffordshire Sentinel News and Media Ltd.

Let's Do Lunch - case study - click here for details.