Exeter
Chamber of Commerce joined forces with ESSENCE, Business in the Community and
Business 4 Exeter Communities Group last week to deliver an afternoon of
networking, presentations and workshops for business and social enterprise
leaders.
This
event was well attended by a range of guests and members of the Chamber, local
businesses and social enterprises. After facilitated networking over lunch,
delegates attended two workshops of their choice, covering topics such as
tackling finance, local economy, social media, marketing and branding and
business planning.
Viv
Hignell, from Lloyds TSB Commercial, at present on secondment to Business in
the Community, one of Prince Charles' charities, helped to organise the
event. Viv said "the event was all about
bringing business and social enterprise together so they can collaborate better
for their mutual benefit and for the benefit of the local economy and Exeter
communities.
I
was delighted at the energy and enthusiasm within the room and will be working
hard with Exeter Chamber and social enterprise networking group ESSENCE to
ensure we maintain this momentum."
Lorna
Turner, Partner of The Fruit Tree for Business, said, "As a social enterprise
adviser for Exeter and founder member of ESSENCE, I was delighted to see such a
great turn-out. It was the first event of this format, bringing together
business and social enterprise, and there seemed to a real appetite for more opportunities
like this.
This type of event gives businesses and social enterprises the information; networking and development support that helps them grow and benefit the local economy and community."
Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber, added "It was an excellent opportunity for the business community to meet and learn more about Social Enterprise companies. We look forward to greater networking opportunities in the future."
