networking
Let’s get together
Andy Wilkins, CEO of Gwent Hospitals Contributory Fund, south Wales-based health insurer
Do you attend networking events?
Business Network, South Wales Chamber of Commerce, City of Newport Business Club, Caerphilly Business Forum, Bridgend Business Breakfast, Lnkd, M4 Business Network
What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?
Meeting people, both existing and new contacts, who are keen to talk to other people in business. Ideally, there are opportunities to develop your business but these shouldn’t be viewed as quick wins. It is very much about creating and enhancing relationships on the basis that business development opportunities might arise in the future.
Is there anything you’d like to see at any of the networking events you attend?
Each event is individual in its own way and they all have features which could be used in others. However, it is the diversity of the meetings that makes them attractive. It would be boring if each meeting followed the same format.
What sort of format do you prefer?
While I am not a fan of the very structured, facilitated events where you have two-three minutes to promote your business and then move on to another table (speed dating for businesses), I believe networking events need some kind of structure, whether over breakfast, lunch or early evening meal. Time is a precious factor and to have no structure at all can result in meetings meandering with little positive outcome. Therefore, for me, it works best if I am sat at a table with seven or eight others, each given up to fi ve minutes to promote their business followed by discussion and questions where appropriate plus some general discussion time. This creates a much better environment for relationships to start and develop.
Networking is a great way to do business and to meet new and existing contacts. Business Quarter asks 10 people what they get out of their networking activities...
Haydn Thomas Hutchings & Thomas Chartered Surveyors Newport
Do you attend any networking events?
Newport Business Club, M4 Business Network, sporting events, property launches, RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’) functions
What do you feel you get out of each of the events you attend?
An opportunity to discuss the property market and the economy in general with people inside and outside the property industry. Also to show we are still out there and ‘keeping our
fi nger on the pulse’. It’s good for the company and our clients like to see us out and about.
Is there anything you’d especially like to see at any of the networking events you attend?
Good speakers discussing relevant issues , especially those which impact the property market and wider economy.
Also a good cross section of guests from a variety of business sectors.
What sort of format do you prefer?
Both are fi ne as long as there is a good mix of attendees, the less formal events usually allow more time to mingle.
20 THEbusiness QUARTER
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