CONNECT
Virtual business networking for Swindon & the Cotswolds
Entrepreneurs Hannah Edwards , Mike Land and Fiona Scott have come together to create Swindon & Cotswold Business Focus - part of the Business Focus Networking group .
The group was quietly launched in late 2020 as the third of its kind across the South West after the successful creation of groups in Bath and Chippenham . This new group meets every fortnight on a Tuesday between 8am and 10am online .
Group leader Fiona Scott , of Scott Media , said ,“ As 2020 progressed it became clear that face to face networking in large groups would not be possible for many months , however for some business owners it ’ s the lifeblood of their PR . It keeps them visible , connected and they enjoy it .
“ When approached by the founders of the new Business Focus networking groups in Bath and Chippenham , it seemed logical to offer a similar virtual opportunity for business owners based in Swindon or the Cotswolds – or any business which can do business in those areas .”
Mike Land , Brand Strategist at Nickel Design , said ,
“ The group appealed to me because of their focus on doing business , a friendly vibe and a format not based around figures or the number of referrals . Before you start to think this is just another local group , we have had business owners from throughout the UK , Italy , Spain and even the USA take part .”
“ I love the energy and the non-pressured environment ,” Hannah Edwards of Empowered VA Services said .
“ The fact that we can extend our network out to other places is great . We haven ’ t had to keep it to just Swindon and the Cotswolds so I have got to meet and learn about other businesses and their owners that I wouldn ’ t have been able to do otherwise .”
Co-founder of the Business Focus Networking brand , Tim Fussell of Fussell Fine Foods , said , “ Business Focus
Networking was set up by a group of South West business owners who wanted something suitable for a locked down environment , yet had a real eye on the future .
“ After the success of Bath and Chippenham , Swindon seemed to be the natural progression . Our groups have a great support and community feel about them , keeping businesses connected in order to continue and flourish during these uncertain times .”
The Swindon & Cotswold group offers 30 places per virtual meeting at the modest cost of just £ 5 . Season tickets are priced at £ 85 for the year . To book on the next available meeting visit : www . businessfocusnetworking . co . uk / swindon-business-focus For more information email Group Leader Fiona Scott : Fiona @ fionascott . co . uk
POSITIVITY SHOTS
The Business Exchange has drawn up a triple shot of positivity from now until March 2021 . Join us for some monthly mindset medicine and the opportunity to network and learn .
Following the success of the first episode in the series focusing on the power of a positive mindset , we have episodes two and three planned for February and March .
Event : EPISODE 2 - Understanding your customers with Customer IQ Date : Thursday 18th February Time : 09:00-10:00 Cost : £ 4 ( Free for advertisers of The Business Exchange )
Customer insight is transformative . It informs and develops better communication ; it ensures greater success for you and your products and services and it identifies new opportunities your competitors have yet to spot .
Gideon Barker , Founder of Bath-based Customer IQ , will provide top tips for knowing your audience better to help you unlock growth in your business in 2021 . Gideon has over 20 years ’ experience in the research industry having worked as an in-house researcher at the BBC , ITV and Channel 5 . Since setting up his own agency in 2010 , he has helped clients from a broad range of sectors including professional services , charities , travel and leisure .
Event : EPISODE 3 : Sales post Covid : What should we do with LinkedIn ? With James Potter ‘ The Linked In Man ’ - the UK ’ s leading expert on LinkedIn Date : Thursday 11th March Time : 09:00-10:00 Cost : £ 4 ( Free for advertisers of The Business Exchange )
James Potter is an expert at helping you get the success you should on LinkedIn . Known as ‘ The Linked In Man ’ James is trusted by over one hundred PLCs to help them commercialise the platform to the tune of tens of millions in sales .
In this practical session James will show you how you can use LinkedIn to revitalise your sales pipeline and get new clients in 2021 .
Both events will consist of a 10 minute intro with networking , 20 minute talk , a Q & A segment and then 30 minutes of networking . Book tickets via Eventbrite by searching for ‘ The Business Exchange South West ’.
38 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk