‘Networkinng with a difference…’ returns following demand from Businesses
Organisers of a new series of business networking events have announced their next event following demand from other businesses.
Entrepreneurs Dereece Gardner and Leeroy Chax – owners of luxury cocktail and coffee bar in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent – partnered with local PR firm BabaBaboon, in September this year for the launch event of ‘Networking with a difference…’ – which attracted 25 local businesses.
Following the event, which saw businesses of all sizes and sectors meet at the Piccadilly venue for relaxed networking, where attendees also received refreshments as well as the opportunity to make valuable connections – with a prize giveaway to end the night.
During the event guests were also treated to a special Q&A session – delivered by Sonya Farrall of BabaBaboon – with Andrew van Buren, Director of the Van Buren Organisation, and also Director of the Philip Ashley Projects CIC.
Andrew himself has lived a life of show business and shared his story along with an insight on how he started his own business and has worked with various blue chip companies by combining entertainment and skills for strategy techniques.
“To be honest we did not know what to expect for our first event and we thank everyone who came along,” says Dereece.
“We had businesses attending from all different sectors – which was great and we received some fantastic feedback. We could not believe the response we had afterwards from businesses who were asking straight away when they could come back and do it all again.
“When we partnered with BabaBaboon we wanted to create something different for the area – something fun and exciting as well as giving businesses the opportunity to listen to some great guest speakers – who are from our local area – and in September we did that.
“We are now really excited for our next event on Wednesday 13 November, and we cannot wait to welcome more businesses through the door.”
Andrew Van Buren said: “It was wonderful to represent the Philip Astley Projects CIC and Van Buren Organisation by being the first speaker at such a welcoming and friendly networking event. I am also pleased to hear that everybody took so much from my talk, as I did from meeting the cross section of business people and providers who attended.”
Sonya said: “It was great to have Andrew join us for our first event – he really is a superstar and after the event we had many businesses saying how much they took from his talk and what an inspiration his story was – which is what ‘Networking with a difference’ is all about – sharing stories and making valuable connections.
“We also had feedback on how businesses had already made great connections and were already in talks for collaborations – which is fantastic really – and we honestly thank everyone for coming to our launch event.
“Now we are on to our next event and just like Dereece and Leeroy – I am looking forward to welcoming more businesses through the doors for what will be another fun networking evening with a great speaker, in the heart of Hanley.”
Networking with a Difference returns on Wednesday 13 November, starting at 5:45pm – 7:15pm. The event will welcome another guest speaker, refreshments and another prize giveaway on the night. Events are open to all sectors including charitable organisations.
For more details and to book tickets visit – https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Stoke-On-Trent/Desire-Cocktail-Bar/Networking-with-a-difference/40133425/
Leeroy Chax (L), Anna Thomas-Holland, Sonya Farrall, Dereece Gardner. Anna of Smart PA was the winner of the prize giveaway during the event on 25 September.
