London Networking in February

February already and the networking gigs come thick and fast. Tonight (Monday 1st) Docklands Business Club are ice skating from 6pm. Tweet Karla to secure your skates! Also this week, Ken Livingstone launches Tower Hamlets College apprenticeship scheme and Linguarama host a reception and open evening – Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th respectively.

Friday’s Stansted Business Breakfast will include a presentation from Harlow Occupational Health Services. SBB’s bi-weekly meetings commence at 7am and conclude before 9am. We warmly welcome all occasional visitors. You can follow SBB on Twitter or check out the LI group.

Business Junction’s events start on Thursday 4th, 12.30 at the Radisson, Canary Wharf. Next week, they offer lunchtime networking in Southwark and an evening reception to develop links with Chinese firms at the Golden Harvest Restaurant in Chinatown. Further events take place Wednesday 17, breakfast at Quaglino’s and Thursday 25 lunch in Hoxton. The next Business Junction evening gig is 3rd March.

The London Chamber’s ‘Changing Places’ networking reception will be at 40 Holborn Viaduct, 6pm 25th. They also list several member run seminars on their website, for example, Global Action Plan are running a free seminar ‘Understanding Environmental Management Systems’ – 9.30-12.00 4th February, 8 All Saints Street, Islington.

Mashup for those in emerging digital applications starts with their Apps Mixer, 9th 6-9pm, followed by Location:It’s moving on, 25th 6-9pm. These events need to be pre-booked. Another digital networking group Digital Lounge meet on the 24th. Contact kate@digital-loungers.co.uk for more details.

For knowledge and communications managers LIKE is a popular forum to share views and ideas. LIKE 11 focuses on Taxonomies with Fran Alexander from the BBC. Dinner costs £10 including a complimentary drink. Booking for 25th is essential – due to popularity. Several of the LIKE regulars are members of SLA Europe, who themselves host regular meetings in London. You can check out their Winter Warmer Quiz here.

Smithfield, Hollywood and Mash

28 January 2010
The Smithfield Bar and Grill, West Smithfield hosted Business Junction’s evening networking event. Around one hundred BJ members and guests representing over seventy organisations took the opportunity to chat, swap cards and promote their businesses.

First off, I met Declan Cassidy and Scott Botting. Scott’s company, Ittium provide IT support, whereas Declan represents etc.venues. They operate popular venues for training, conferences and seminars. Declan introduced me to Amanda Summers from Marcus Evans Linguarama - offering language training. Indeed, Liguarama are holding a reception and open evening, next Thursday, 4th February.
Contact myrapearson@linguarama.com for more details.

Next, Helen Armstrong from the City Business Library reminded me to look out for their free business support seminars. Anuschka Fritz, Moustique Design introduced Thea Wunderer, Thea’s company Exquisite Deli import meat delicacies from Italy.

Business Junction’s Fiona Ross introduced me to brand marketing expert Kate Newman, I also bumped into Jez John, MD, Webstars and Philip Cassinos from Ping Create. Ping print graphics for exhibitions. Before leaving, I had a chat with Rowena Smith, proprietor of the Old China Hand in Tysoe Street, London, EC1.

Thanks to Smithfield Bar and Grill and Mark Herring, Fiona Ross and the team at Business Junction. For more events, check out the BJ events pages.

27 January 2010
The London Chamber networking at Planet Hollywood was as popular as ever with one hundred and fifty delegates representing one hundred companies.

I joined business consultant David Owen who introduced me to workforce advisor Louise Perry and contract coordinator Brunilda Shehaj of A4e. View their short film to learn more about how A4e help improve lives. Moreover, Tania Tiippana, employer engagement manager from Tower Hamlets College, drew my attention to the National Apprenticeship launch next Wednesday, 3rd February with Ken Livingstone.
Email Tania.tiippana@tower.ac.uk for more details.

Next, I exchanged cards with hotel marketers Caroline Brennan from the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington and Estel Romeu, Derby Hotels, managing hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris as well as London. I also met Natalie Zaccaria, business manager for Think Apartments.

Representing the media sector, I chatted with web design and e-marketer Jeremy Walker, Degas Guruve and Guy Green from PrintGuy.

Before the evening concluded I met Raemy Singh, Forward Financials, Brian Griffin from ROCKSTAR GROUP and Chet Patel R3C Recruitment. RockStar Group provide entrepreneur mentoring whereas Raemy helps business owners negotiate with banks and financiers more effectively.

Thanks to sponsors Work Base Learning at Middlesex University, hosts Planet Hollywood and  the events team at the London Chamber. For more events view their website.

Mash to follow

Forthcoming Networking Opportunities in London

The opening blog for 2010 is a heads up for and links to forthcoming networking events. It is by no means exhaustive, just those that I identified as valuable in terms of interest, knowledge, development and contacts.

The Stansted Business Breakfast, not strictly London, overcame the weather to meet last Friday. Further breakfast meetings are planned for 22 Jan, 5 & 19 Feb and March.

Business Junction holds weekly events around the West End, City and Docklands. By having regular events in different locations, this is a great way to make new contacts. There are lunchtime meets in Westminster (14 Jan), Spitalfields (21 Jan), London Bridge (27 Jan) and the monthly evening gig on 28 January at Smithfield Bar & Grill, EC1. Their events are very popular, so book your place beforehand!

The Dockland Business Club and London Chamber often share events. This month, the Chamber’s changing places networking evening will be at Planet Hollywood, Haymarket from 6pm, 27 January. Normally you have to book early for this event. If you miss out, perhaps a bit of ice-skating (and networking) at Canary Wharf, courtesy of DBC might appeal – 6pm 1st February.

If you are  interested in the digital media sector, then look up (i) Mashup and (ii) the Digital Lounge. Mashup holds regular seminars/networking mixers. This week’s (14 Jan) “Augmented Reality” is followed by “Apps. What’s your strategy” (28 Jan). Further events in Feb and March include: “Going Social!” and “Identity: Your digital footprint”.

The Digital Lounge (see Twitter feed on this page) offer relaxed meets for digital professionals. Their monthly events commence 27 January and the speaker will be Spencer Gallagher from GyroHSR. February’s event (24) will include a presentation from Mark Curtis of Flirtomatic.

If you are a knowledge or communication professional and enjoy great dinner parties, then you should discover LIKE – London Information & Knowledge Exchange - Tweets at the foot of this page . Their next event 6.00pm 28 January entitled “Knowing me, knowing you” – includes an interview with two very different experts and their views about work, knowledge and records. Most LIKE events are held at The Perseverance, Lamb’s Conduit Street – a great pub!

Please feel free to let me know which events interest you and planning to attend.

Networking in the Amazon

28 October DBC/London Chamber – Speed Networking

Docklands Business Club’s speed networking gig at Greenwich Novotel was an energetic affair with representatives from thirty companies present. Timekeeper Clive Randall set a brisk pace giving delegates 90 seconds to make their introductions. A blast from Clive’s whistle signalled the next victim!

During these brief sessions, one makes a mental note of those to seek out for a longer chat over drinks. I was pleased to meet several colleagues in the media sector, including Thea van Zyl from Zazen Media, Rachael Smith of Crisis UK, Richard Wright from Garcia, Yu Zhao Operations Director, Golden View Translations and Dexter Coles from SP litho.

Thanks to Clive Randall DBC, Deborah Jarvis LCCI and the Novotel team

29 October LIKE8 – Perseverance

LIKE founders Virginia Henry, Jennifer Smith and Marja Kingma, resplendent in their logo’d T-shirts arranged for columnist Tim Buckley-Owen to open the discussion entitled “From Walled Garden to Amazon Jungle”.

Highlighting the dilemmas facing researchers in the current information environment – he compared knowledge managers to intrepid explorers foraging in the deep information jungle.

His commentary prompted Jennifer to recall a recent assignment. During a site survey, she discovered her client’s vital data in no logical order. Consequently, her task involved data recovery, classification and restoration. This helped staff to operate a fast, efficient and accurate retrieval process.

After Jennifer concluded, the caterers appeared with a superb choice of vegetable lasagne, cod and chips or wild boar bangers and mash. Served with a glass of wine or beer, these refreshments led to an even more convivial atmosphere.

LIKE is a networking group for Library, Information, Knowledge and Communication professionals. We meet once a month to share stories, learn and exchange knowledge in an informal and relaxed environment.

You can hear comments from those present at
http://www.likenews.org.uk/images/LIKE8%20Vox.mp3
and find out more at our website shown above.

Business Junction at Roadtrip, Shoreditch

The Roadtrip Bar in Shoreditch hosted the latest Business Junction networking evening. You can find The Roadtrip at the apex of Old Street and Great Eastern Street. Their website describes themselves “a roadside juke joint speakeasy”.

Emma Perris welcomed arrivals with lapel badges, attendees list and key information relating to the bar arrangements. We made our way through the crowd and I introduced my colleague to Chris Youd, Advantage Design and accountant Ayo Otubanjo. Ayo explained that Optima have relevant financial expertise in the media sector.

Doug Mather from business consultants, the creation company described how they help management achieve and maintain outstanding performance. Next, Phoebe Roberts greeted me. I met Phoebe at the earlier Business Junction breakfast. Her company, Positive Focus produces corporate events including the stage, set and lighting design.

I was very pleased to renew acquaintances with recruitment consultants Laura Morris and Sue Spooner. Laura’s company PA London, based in Holborn concentrates on providing top PA’s whereas Capital Recruitment Network offer situations for administrative, secretarial and customer service staff. Sue works from Capital Recruitment’s Canary Wharf office.

As the evening concluded, I conferred with top business coach Ian Cooper and spoke at length with Eleanor Greenaway from Business Advice Bureau. Business adviser Eleanor helps SME’s attract funding for growth.

There were many networkers in the audience that I didn’t get chance to swap business cards with but fortunately Business Junction hold more regular networking events. You can register through their website and follow BJ events on Twitter.

I am grateful to BJ’s Emma, Fiona, Mark and Helen from Roadtrip for organising such an enjoyable and valuable networking evening.

Business Junction – Crowne Plaza

Fiona Ross and Emma Perris from Business Junction chaired the Shoreditch Networking Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza. Just a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street, the hotel is an ideal location for visitors to the City.

Seventeen representatives attended, proving a great opportunity to engage with fellow net workers and learn more about their businesses. Mike Davis, business coach from Shirlaws received a glowing testimonial from Dan Einzig, director of design agency Mystery. Dan also drew attention to their expansion into photographic services. Matt Kearn represented digital agency Sonaa – “the biggest little agency in town”. They create websites, on-line advertising and gaming for top entertainment groups.

Phoebe Roberts, head of sales at Positive Fokus introduced their expertise in managing corporate and public events. They design, build and manage the sets for product launches, award ceremonies and concerts. They also provide the sound, lighting and stages. Craig Daid, another representative of the media sector outlined Altlaw’s 24-7 copying services for law firms and professional services.

Hannah Breen (HR and recruitment), John Donohoe, ABG Accountants, Amanda Walker, Business Smiths and Nick Coster, SAP described how their services help in-house teams and SME’s to leverage essential expertise. Nick also mentioned that he would be pleased to facilitate opportunities within his own organisation.

Visiting for the first time, Guy Insull, Appeal Director at Anchor House explained how they are seeking partners to help fund raising for homeless people in the East End. Interested parties can learn more by visiting the Anchor House website.

I would like to thank Fiona, Emma and the team at the Crowne Hotel for another valuable breakfast meeting.

You can follow Business Junction on Twitter or find more networking opportunities by following SBB.

DBC at International Hotel, Docklands

02 Sept 09

The monthly DBC lunch hosted by Clive Randall and Karla Johnson was held at the International Britannia Hotel at South Quay, Docklands. Deb Jarvis and Julie Parkes from the London Chamber were on-hand to encourage the networking.

I was very pleased to meet Carla Prowse of the enterprise team. Regular sponsors of these events, they collaborate with organisations to identify better travel choices for employees – encouraging walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing.

Next, I spoke with Wendy Trehy, specialist employment lawyer with Vizards Wyeth about typical staff issues and the serious impact they can have. I also swapped business cards with Ellie Precious from the Knowledge Dock, Doriana Arrigoni, the Business Centre Manager for DIFC Global and Chet Patel from on-line recruitment specialist R3C.

Corina Balaneanu from Dale Carnegie Training introduced herself and alerted me to their forthcoming seminar. “Effective Leadership & Communication in Challenging Times” will address public speaking, motivation and stress management. Co-sponsored by NatWest, and arranged for lunchtime on Friday, 25 September in Princes Street, EC2.

Before leaving, I recognised Lynne Richards from Action against Hunger. Lynne is the Corporate Fund Raising Manager and seeks corporate supporters to help save lives. She has already established fund raising through a restaurant charity and helped arrange an international rugby charity challenge. Check out the charity website for fund raising ideas.

Once again thanks to Clive and Karla for holding yet another valuable lunchtime group. Remember, you can follow Docklands Biz Club on Twitter.

London Chamber at IET, Savoy Place

August 6th
IET London hosted LCCI’s “Changing Places Networking Reception” at Savoy Place. Located on The Embankment, it offers panoramic views of river from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Houses of Parliament.

Although Savoy Place is the spiritual home of the Institution of Engineering and Technology – the IET administration relocated to Stevenage. Today, the building’s primary use is providing conference facilities and events.

Victoria, Kelly and Caroline from The London Chamber’s events team operate an efficient registration process. Colour coded badges identify representatives from the various market sectors. Complete with delegate list, a complimentary drink for courage and off you go looking for your first victim!

During the evening, I met Charlotte Conrad, a business psychologist who helps HR choose the right candidate and avoid acrimonious separations. In addition, Carole Raynor from Kaplan International Colleges who assists companies to engage with internship programmes.

I swapped business cards with the daccreative team, brand consultant Gerald Elliott and chatted to Tom Moverley and Rajeev Singhal from the Chamber.

I knew several business contacts among the enthusiastic networkers including Lessing Financial Management, styletalks and Will Mathieson of TQ UK Ltd.

Thanks to the events teams from Savoy Place and London Chamber for providing another valuable business event.

Docklands Networking Gigs

There have been several networking opportunities during the past few weeks including Business Junction lunches, London Chamber’s Summer Party and DBC’s Business Awards Dinner. I was travelling at the time but you can check their websites for more information.

July 15th, I visited the ELBP/Archant seminar at the CCT, Docklands. Archant is an independent media group. It publishes several well-known titles such as the East London Advertiser and Hackney Gazette. Claire Evans introduced the audience to the Thames Gateway Business Awards. Last year’s winner Alexandra Kelly from Powerchex spoke about the benefits, kudos and acclaim of winning awards.

Following the presentations, I introduced myself to Deborah King (Head of Events) and spoke with Alexandra Kelly. I was interested to learn that Powerchex make a habit of winning business awards – indeed, they have just won DBC’s company of the year.

August 5th, The Novotel in Docklands hosted the DBC’s regular monthly gig “Time to Talk Business”. Clive Randall and Karla Johnson organised a lively networking lunch. Incidentally, you can follow Karla on Twitter and reserve a spot for the next event. Check out the event photo.

I arrived with web developer, Tim Sheed (Tela), renewed acquaintances with Liz Martinez Gray (EMG Events), Katrina Dixon (The Marketing Lady) and Paul Loftis, sales manager of Enterprise Plants.

New contacts included Adam and Daniel from Boulevard Catering, Helen Pescodd (Sterling Financial Consultants), Bob Roberts MBE (SRC Leadership), Clare Appleby (APS Legal Consultant) and Will Mathieson, CEO TQ UK.

I subsequently met up with Will to learn a little more about his outsourcing group and naturally to offer him Cartouche’s expert print resources.

Networking at St Stephen’s Club, Westminster

9th July 09

Business Junction held their summer networking evening at the exclusive St Stephen’s Club in Westminster.

Benjamin Disraela founded the club 130 years ago. Since then it has been a cosy retreat for leading parliamentarians including Harold Macmillan and Lady Thatcher. Adjacent to St James’s Park and boasting fine private gardens, the venue offers sumptuous accommodation for conferences, receptions, banquets and weddings.

During the evening, in the prize draw, one lucky delegate won club membership for a year.

I struck up conversation with Fiona Johnstone and Sally West, directors of translation company etymax. Etymax are renowned for their language services, helping corporate clients to communicate accurately to local markets.

Next, I bumped into Matt Grantham (sports injury physio) at the Wyndham Centre in Hatton Garden, just a few hundred yards from Cartouche. I was pleased to meet yet another fellow resident of Hatton Garden, diamond merchant Yves Frey.

The evening provided an opportunity to touch base with Business Junction’s Fiona Ross, publisher James Marsh (B3 Creative), Steetcar’s Michelle Ingham, Melanie Simpson (George Jacobsen) and graphic designer Chris Youd from Advantage Design.

Networkers that I met for the first time included photographers Lorraine Bourke and Nick Cunard, brand designer Idoia Acha (makeUP), Patrick Wagstaff from cushion the impact, Lisa Newton (Boogles, accountancy support), Kenneth Kay (Universal Security) and Tony Hoodless from Billingford.

This was yet another valuable networking event. Thanks to the Business Junction team Mark, Fiona and Emma and Carolyn Baguma of the St Stephen’s Club – the canapés were simply delicious.