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With seminars throughout the day complemented by an expo featuring an eclectic mix of corporate and third sector organisations , the event held on 15th June drew hundreds of people to Bath Racecourse from across the country .
Event founder and Editor of The Business Exchange , Anita Jaynes , said , “ Here in the South West we ’ re making a buzz about the amazing work of charities here and flying the flag as collaborators too .
“ Collaboration starts with asking questions and igniting the conversation , so we ’ re proud to be providing a forum where businesses , individuals and charities can come together on the same level to start discussions , learn from each other and forge meaningful partnerships for the benefit of the entire community .”
The day kicked off with a networking breakfast . A panel featuring Anita Jaynes , Digital Wonderlab Founder Nathan Baranowski , Deputy CEO of Wiltshire Air
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Ambulance Barbara Grey and philanthropist and entrepreneur James Phipps discussed the merits of , and opportunities surrounding , collaboration between businesses and third sector organisations . Nathan Baranowski , Co-Founder , Digital Wonderlab , said , " Collaborations are about partnerships – it ’ s about walking into a space like this and being there as equals . At Digital Wonderlab we pride ourselves on being available and open to have conversations to understand needs . Events like this are really important – places where people can go and ask a question .
“ It has to start with pause , think and connect – open up and bring people in . As leaders , we need this kind of space .
“ From a tech point of view , good tech makes our lives easier . If it doesn ’ t do that , we shouldn ’ t use it .
“ We need to think about how we can use tech to help us engage and do things in a better way . We need to purposefully look at
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how we use it to help us .” Philanthropist and entrepreneur James Phipps who is also Chairman of local business SMARTech Energy , added , “ Charities need different help at different times , sometimes it ’ s a cheque , sometimes manpower and sometimes being a trustee to help drive engagement .
“ We all know the UK has massive challenges , all these can ’ t be fixed by the public sector , or by charities or businesses by themselves . We have to find a way of coming together as a collective to solve these problems .
“ It makes good business sense to help solve problems in your community .
“ We need to provide more environments like this conference to bring people together . The conversations that have a genuine impact are not had without a forum like this . It ’ s about engagement and providing environments like this where people can talk without pressure . We need to provide this
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type of environment more to allow people to make meaningful connections .”
Seminars throughout the day included : Charities Vital Signs Report with Quartet Community Foundation Finance FAQs with Milsted Langdon Inflation risk and cash reserves with RBC Brewin Dolphin Collaboration at Work with Stone King Talking Mental Health with James Gwinnett former rugby player and SAS : Who Dares Wins contestant . Equality , Diversity & Inclusion taster workshop with Bath Rugby Foundation Growing your social media presence organically with Black Nova Designs An introduction to smartphone filmmaking and photography with Compass Video
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