Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons
Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650
Businesses lap up virtual networking
When the coronavirus struck the UK a year ago, it soon became apparent that conventional networking – vital to business life – was going to go out of the window. However, business support organisations – including the Chamber – were quick to adapt to new ways of working, and one of these has been ‘virtual networking’, using the previously unheard of Zoom platform. Among those making good use of Zoom have
been small businesses in Burton, including those affiliated to Burton Small Business. Cheryl Morris runs Creative Word PR, an
award-winning PR and copywriting service, and is one of three independent companies that run Burton Small Business. She said: “When the national lockdown hit in
March last year, I don’t think anybody could have predicted nearly a year on businesses would still be facing a virtual existence. “With the many changes and challenges it has
brought for all sectors many businesses have found making connections vital in keeping their business brand and pipeline open during the pandemic.” Local ladies-only business group LoveBiz
Networking, which was first set up in Burton-by- Ashby Marketing expert Sue Crooks in 2012, has gone from strength-to-strength during the pandemic, with five new groups launching in the UK during the lockdown. Sue said: “During the pandemic, the UK
lockdown put a stop to our meetings, so we knew we had to adapt -and quickly. Our members needed each other more than ever, as
Zooming in: A LoveBiz online networking session
their businesses and lives were suddenly turned upside down. Instead of our usual face-to-face meetings, everything moved online. Far from our community falling apart, our friendly virtual networking meetings have brought many of our members closer together.” Of course, the Chamber has played its part as
well, and Chris Plant, director of Burton Chamber, said: “When lockdown hit our Chamber was swift to move all business events, including networking events to virtual platforms.
Ignite programme launched
Students in further education are set to discover their inner entrepreneur through a new programme aimed at helping them join the ranks of the self-employed. Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Ignite
Programme’, delivered by the local Chamber of Commerce, will provide free advice, workshops mentoring and support for students looking to set up their own business in Staffordshire. The council says that the coronavirus pandemic is hitting job prospects for the younger generation, particularly in areas such as retail and hospitality, which traditionally employ them. The council says young people are also
more likely to be affected by slowdowns in recruitment as well as increased competition from those with more work experience and job-specific skills. Staffordshire County Council’s deputy
leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “Investing in young
people is crucial for their wellbeing and long- term employment prospects and ultimately benefits our communities. “The Ignite student start-up scheme will
encourage young people to consider the benefits of setting up their own enterprise, giving them the grounding to understand the workings of business from finance to marketing; and overcoming the many challenges they would encounter. “Our aim through this programme is to
engage with 4,000 students in the first year with 100 taking on the intensive five-day programme and a target of 20 business starts. “This is an ambitious initiative, but we are
confident that this will make a real difference to participants’ future.” Scheme coordinator Tom Nadin, from
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “The scheme will help students develop entrepreneurial thinking, alongside existing studies and thus open self-employment opportunities upon leaving further education.”
“Networking is critical to businesses at this
time. From our research we know that the pandemic has made businesses evaluate their current operation and many are looking to diversify into new areas, expand into different markets or look for new supply chains. “With our host of vital business support
services, partnership working with local stakeholders and ability to connect our members, we are enabling our local businesses to survive and recover.”
Celebrating Covid heroes at virtual awards
Trent & Dove Housing, in partnership with Burton Albion Community Trust, will be hosting a virtual ‘Covid Hero Awards’ this year, instead of its usual ‘Impact on the Community Awards’. The virtual event will take place on 26 March
and will honour businesses, communities, individuals and charities who have helped others during the health crisis. The Covid Hero finalists, who have been
shortlisted for an award, will each receive a luxury hamper to thank them for their fantastic contributions. Trent & Dove chief executive Ursula Bennion
said: “It is a real shame that were unable to host our prestigious Impact on the Community Awards last year, however we want to ensure that we still celebrate those heroes in our communities who have gone out of their way to help others during the pandemic.” Matt Hancock from Burton Albion Community
Trust added: “The awards will be a fantastic celebration, which will recognise the amazing efforts from people and groups from all corners of our community.”
March 2021 CHAMBERLINK 39
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