would anyone be interested in attending a networking event for new sheffield businesses ? I can supply a venue ?

Hi, do you have anymore details on what sort of companies you are looking to network with and what would be involved?

I am open to sugestions as to what sort of businesses could attend, could even be mixed trades. I can suply a bar and a venue.

I may be interested

I would be interested in more info on this. I would suggest you try and keep the event fairly elite if possible i.e No more than 2 or 3 companies per sector. You don't want people treading on each others toes.

Would there be a cost to get involved?

I maybe interested if it is a speed networking type event, so that we all get to speak to everybody.

Cheers

Tim

speed networking is a good idea - count me in

Any more info??

well i run an IT supplier in chesterfield and id love to come

What about community representation? Someone else has suggested I go to a similar event regarding Jellytots. I haven't any idea of how we would benefit anyone else and vice versa really.
I can see how we could arrange a mutually useful situation with a photographers for example... who doesn't want pictures of their kids. But I don't know if anything else is any good.

I would be interested in attending, let me know when you have more info

I would be interested in attending.

(Cask conditioned beer brewery)

will get back with more info soon.

One suggestion dean1066 if i may.

Most networking events i have been to are trying to be grand affairs with buffet and in a designated slick venue and attendees have to pay to cover the costs.

As this is for new businesses (the owners of which may well be strapped for cash and time) (i know i am :) )can i suggest that we simply meet in a good quality, quiet, pub once a month on a quiet night like Monday. We only need to chat to each other in a nice setting rather than make something of the event that it isn't.

Cheers!

Hi agree with that too.

I have reduced the amount of money I spend on attending networking events as all you end up doing is financing someone else's business if you end up at too many. It's valuable time out of your business, in addition to the cost to attend and not all events end up being relevant or useful.

It depends what the objective of this event is - which im guessing is to promote the venue - and rooms are expensive so its a generous gesture. A lot of venues make money from the buffet and drinks, especially when the room is 'free'.

You could go to Tesco's and buy in some juice and nibbles for under a twenty pound and just ask people to throw in £1 on arival to cover that cost.

Meeting in a pub means peole will, inevitably, end up spending money on drinks over a couple of hours anyway, so that negates the cost issue. however is is a more relaxed atmosphere. There's pro's for both types of meet-up.

Some interesting points made and a range of constructive suggestions.

Have you seen: thebigwebsite (can't actually post a url!)

There's a range of business support services available to people who live or have their businesses in a variety of Sheffield postcode areas.

I work on a project within the programme that helps SME's with issues around Sales & Marketing - and I'd be interested in attending an event set up by businesses, for businesses.
We're hoping to host an event later in the year for people who have been involved inthe programme, so that might be another opportunity - although we won't be going down the "speed networking" route.

You can contact BiG via the website once you've had a chance to see what's available and whether your busness might benefit or not - it's all free!!

like the ideas bigsheep and indizine, sounds like a good plan

Hi Everybody

Over the years I have been to many networking events. One of the problems has been, some of the corporate companies, hard selling. I recently went to a speed networking event at the Turbine Business Centre at Worksop, I was charged £10 and a breakfast sandwich was included, I got the change to speak to 21 different people about my business. Basically we changed to three different tables, where we got the chance to speak to three different groups of people, exchanging our business cards with everybody. We started in the central cafe and then moved to a seperate room for the networking event.

I think we need to find a suitable venue in the middle of Sheffield and be willing to pay a reasonable tariff. If it goes well it could then be arranged on a monthly basis.

Cheers

Tim

like i said previously i am willing to provide a bar/venue free of charge possibly nibbles/small bufett i am situated between hillsborough and the city centre on penistone road so easy to get to.

like i said previously i am willing to provide a bar/venue free of charge possibly nibbles/small bufett i am situated between hillsborough and the city centre on penistone road so easy to get to. i am interested in the idea of a breakfast/brunch time event ?

One suggestion dean1066 if i may.

As this is for new businesses (the owners of which may well be strapped for cash and time) (i know i am :) )can i suggest that we simply meet in a good quality, quiet, pub once a month on a quiet night like Monday. We only need to chat to each other in a nice setting rather than make something of the event that it isn't.

Cheers!

This kind of meeting would suit me fine; I have a number of ideas ready to roll, re. original designs and recycling, but I really do need advice re. patents/design Right, income tax, books, and support services.:D

Is this at city limits? Its quite expensive there, plus not a great fan.

Attended a wedding fayre and bought a coffee, which they served in a paper cup, I burnt my hands and when I asked for a real cup or mug they said no because I might break it....what a joke!!!

plus parking is a nightmare, so I would prefer a city centre venue, I am sure there are loads of bars/pubs we could approach for this

I will keep checking to see when the date is going to be..
Sharpend, it may be better to go along to the event??

Dean

Where are you located? Is it the City Limits by any chance!

Is this at city limits? Its quite expensive there, plus not a great fan.

Attended a wedding fayre and bought a coffee, which they served in a paper cup, I burnt my hands and when I asked for a real cup or mug they said no because I might break it....what a joke!!!

plus parking is a nightmare, so I would prefer a city centre venue, I am sure there are loads of bars/pubs we could approach for this

I am sorry to Hear about your bad experience at city limits, i can blame this on the fact that none of the previous staff here have had any catering or event training before they are all dancers who help where they can. This is why i have been brought in to develop the events and meeting side of things. I assure you the standards at city limits are a lot better now.

i would be interested - i am setting up an exsiting restuarant i use to manage - and been offered to takeover - need to look at how to fund it - total cost around 25,000
kasim
07828813015

I also for at the moment for a dealership - Robin & day Peugeot on Pinestone Road
- They might sponser the event -
kasim
07828813015
0114 2856150 work number

I'd be interested.

Hi agree with that too.

I have reduced the amount of money I spend on attending networking events as all you end up doing is financing someone else's business if you end up at too many. It's valuable time out of your business, in addition to the cost to attend and not all events end up being relevant or useful.


Thats very true - (the only people who seem to do well are printers printing business cards and people sellig stuff telling you how to be a better networker)

Best to keep it relaxed and lowkey.

Low key sounds good! are we trying for a city centre venue or taking dean up on his offer? Just wondering if it is city centre shall we try and squeeze this in before september when all the students are back, no offence to any students - I am one!!!!

can someone make a decision then?

Hi Everybody

Over the years I have been to many networking events. One of the problems has been, some of the corporate companies, hard selling. I recently went to a speed networking event at the Turbine Business Centre at Worksop, I was charged £10 and a breakfast sandwich was included, I got the change to speak to 21 different people about my business. Basically we changed to three different tables, where we got the chance to speak to three different groups of people, exchanging our business cards with everybody. We started in the central cafe and then moved to a seperate room for the networking event.

I think we need to find a suitable venue in the middle of Sheffield and be willing to pay a reasonable tariff. If it goes well it could then be arranged on a monthly basis.

Cheers

Tim

Did you generate any real leads from this event?
I've been to a few and i find that i spend two hours frantically talking about my business, hand out tons of business cards and thats where it ends.

Some interesting points made and a range of constructive suggestions.

Have you seen: thebigwebsite (can't actually post a url!)

There's a range of business support services available to people who live or have their businesses in a variety of Sheffield postcode areas.

I work on a project within the programme that helps SME's with issues around Sales & Marketing - and I'd be interested in attending an event set up by businesses, for businesses.
We're hoping to host an event later in the year for people who have been involved inthe programme, so that might be another opportunity - although we won't be going down the "speed networking" route.

You can contact BiG via the website once you've had a chance to see what's available and whether your busness might benefit or not - it's all free!!

I can vouch for BIG they have been no end of help to me.
I set up my business in the Burngreave / Brightside area and went to see BIG to see what they could do for me.
They accessed funding so i could have a professional website built (www.thebrewcompany.co.uk) they also provided significant funding for training my business partner on Pitman finance courses. And their growth team have even paid for MYOB software! By funding i mean free funding not financing.
Roni is about to help me launch our beers onto the market by helping me with the initial sales push. I can't stress how helpfull BIG are.
My advise: Use them if you can, you would be daft not to!

Just seen this, which may be of interest to some of you...

Saturday 5th July sees the official opening of a unique trading area at Castle Market in Sheffield. An all day party from 10am onwards with DJs and family entertainment will launch a new business trading area in the market complex.

The area, part of the BiG - Make it Your Business programme, will provide the opportunity for members of the public to test trade in a market environment which already has a footfall of more than 80,000 a week.

BiG – Make it Your Business will provide new businesses with subsidised rent and business mentoring for a six month test trading period. A business advice centre will also be opened with meeting room facilities and information on a range of business support activities.

Director of BiG - Make it Your Business, Kevin Bennett said:

“The 5th of July will be a day for celebrating enterprise in Sheffield, this project shows the steps we are taking here in the city to help people set up and be successful in business. The BiG trading area at Castle Market aims to reduce risks associated with starting a new business as much as possible by providing support and keeping costs to a minimum.”

The BiG project at Castle Market is a new initiative set up between Sheffield Markets, BiG: Make it Your Business (both part of Sheffield City Council) and Sheffield Enterprise Agency. Units will be provided as a shell scheme with basic fixtures and fittings and BiG will also provide a sign for the front of each space.

For anyone interested in finding out more information about BiG – Make it Your Business or the new market test trading area please ring 0800 043 55 22.

can someone make a decision then?

Can I suggest the following
Monday 21st July - venue to be confirmed (probably just out of town so we don't have to pay for parking - I will post in sheffield entertainment for suggestions
7pm
no fee (FREE - no admission charge)
no stress to provide leads for anyone else
No pressure to give a presentation or anything.

I am quite happy to organise some activities to make sure everyone mixes around a bit though.

in the next day or so I will start another thread if there isn't a massive objection to this date/time

time and date sounds good to me!

How about The Royal Standard, St Marys Rd (close to city centre/car park/I'll put on a few free sandwiches). I've only been in business about 9 months myself so I may benefit aswell.
Great time of year for this venue & gives everyone a couple of meetings to sort out if you like it, or find another venue before the students come back!
S2 4AX, if you need to google a map.

A friend of mine runs The Red Deer pub in sheffield. That has a nice cosy function room upstairs - which would hold a fair amount of people. Parking is city centre, but should be out of permit times.
If interested - call in and ask for Andy or John. They are just launching a new menu in the next couple of weeks too and John is a superb Chef.
Hope the functions take off well.

Can I suggest the following
Monday 21st July - venue to be confirmed (probably just out of town so we don't have to pay for parking - I will post in sheffield entertainment for suggestions
7pm
no fee (FREE - no admission charge)
no stress to provide leads for anyone else
No pressure to give a presentation or anything.

I am quite happy to organise some activities to make sure everyone mixes around a bit though.

in the next day or so I will start another thread if there isn't a massive objection to this date/time
Great.Will look forward to it.
Sharpend, my son thinks you should write a programme about teaching teenagers about all the different types of music that there is now as there are so many compared to when we wer young.I.e Rap, niche,house etc,etc,etc.

Had this via PM also

Can I suggest The South Sea in Broomhill. We are very quiet at the moment with the students away and we have very cheap car parking adjacent to us. There is a catering kitchen if you require it and of course there would be no charge. If you want to discuss give me a call on 075********
Name given

Shall we leave it a couple of days and make a decision depending on the majority

Please post your preference - don't just put "I don't mind" or we will never decide...

I would probably prefer the first option St Marys road myself

Great.Will look forward to it.
Sharpend, my son thinks you should write a programme about teaching teenagers about all the different types of music that there is now as there are so many compared to when we wer young.I.e Rap, niche,house etc,etc,etc.

(Just about to email you)

I have put a poll here

http://sharp-end-training.co.uk/blog/

to get opionions...:thumbsup:

I vote for the south sea 2 car parks at the back, which is convinient

Would be interested in attending - for many reasons - work and personal -
could some send or let me know the venue , time and agenda event
Kasim
kschaud0@hotmail.com
or 07828813015

count me in on this, i need to get word out about the website thats in my signature, so i would be very interested to see how we can all help each other ( i'm also a virgin vie consultant, so parties, weddings and fund raising is high on my agenda)

Hi
I'm really interested too. I have just launched my new business and this type of opportunity would be great. Please keep me informed of date, venue etc.
Thanks

See other post re the date ..21st July