Kerri Saxby from Shooting Star, reports on February’s meeting…
It’s official, Newark is vibrant, unique and a historic gem.
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, club chair Amy Codd welcomed guests to the February meeting and asked them to write down what they love about Newark.
The heart shaped post-it notes revealed that it was the town’s friendly people, engaged business community and historic setting that led people to enjoy living and working here.
As well as being a town which welcomes innovative entrepreneurs, champions independent and traditional businesses alongside national brands, Newark was also recognised for the strength of its community spirit.
With that in mind Amy reminded guests to add the Hercules Clay service on 12th March to their diary. The ceremony commemorates the Life of Hercules Clay, a former Newark businessman and Mayor during the English Civil War.
Continuing with the theme of people, Julie Reader-Sullivan was joined on stage by Rachel Wilson, Veronica Dennant and Harriet Robson to present the sponsored presentation about the up and coming Future First Expo.
On Thursday 4th May an expo focused on careers, training and education will be hosted at Lady Eastwood Pavilion, Newark Showground.
The expo aims to inspire more than 1,000 students considering their next step in education or apprenticeships and members of public who are interested in a career change. Julie and the team invited club members to sign up to host a stand for free.
There will be dedicated knowledge, careers and technology zones up and running on the day and seminars will take place on a number of topics.
Businesses or organisations interested in having a stand should contact Veronica Dennant (veronica.dennant@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk) or Olivia Utton (o.utton@newarkadvertiser.co.uk) to book themselves in.
Julie also reminded people that the North Notts Tech Fest will take place on 15th February and MP Robert Jenrick is hosting a job fair on 24th March.
During the business card draw, the club gave a warm welcome to Paul Andrew from Brand Newark, a newly launched design and marketing agency.
Paul and the team of specialists offer creative design, marketing, website and rebranding support to businesses large and small, established or start-up.
If you’re looking for support in one or more of these areas why not give Paul a call or check out the website www.brandnewark.co.uk for more information on their services.
Chair of the Action Group, James Fountain, began his update by sharing the news of a recent report that Newark is a happy place to live and work.
James reminded club members of the marketing opportunities available which includes sponsoring a monthly meeting, with social media mentions and a feature in the Advertiser and sponsorship of The Hub e-shots, which goes out to around 1000 individuals.
Anyone interested in taking up a sponsorship slot should contact Simon Shaw.
Newark MP Robert Jenrick joined the club for an update and brief Q&A session at the end of the meeting.
He touched on his attendance at President Trump’s inauguration, employment in his constituency and the next steps for Brexit.
At the March meeting the club will welcome local apprentices who attend with a paying member of the club.
If you’re new to the area, thinking of setting up a business or you want to make some new business connections please consider joining the club. The next meeting starts at 7am on Friday 3rd March 2017 at the Everyday Champions Centre.
In the meantime, you can check out the club and its members via the website www.newarkbusinessclub.co.uk, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/newarkbc or join the Facebook group. Just search for Newark Business Club.