March 2017 Meeting Shorts

Kerri Saxby from Shooting Star, reports from the March meeting…

The March meeting began with a welcome to the apprentices who had come along in advance of National Apprenticeship Week (6th-10th March) as part of the club’s dedication to championing local businesses and the next generation of employees.

Mr Mayor on a Mission

Town Mayor of Newark, Dean Hyde, is on a mission to recruit businesses to attend the annual Hercules Clay service which will take place at the Parish Church from 10:15am on Sunday 12th March.

The service, which is part of the town’s traditions, includes a procession of local dignitaries from the Town Hall to the Parish Church, the delivery of the Bombshell Sermon and the giving of small loaves of bread to local charities.

The Mayor invited local businesspeople to attend and offered an opportunity for club members to display their branded banners in the church during the celebrations. He has invited dignitaries from across the region, some of whom might be interested in the services and skills on offer from Newark businesses.

Big Love from Newark Festival

Mark and Joe from Liz Hobbs Group gave the club the 411 on the plans for Newark Festival 2017. Among the performers entertaining the crowds this year will be UB40, Level 42 and the The Original Wailers. The headliners will perform on Saturday 17th June but revelers can also enjoy Riverside Rocks on Friday 16th and Swing in the Park on Sunday 18th June.

Joe reminded the club that alongside sponsorship opportunities the festival brings around 20,000 people into the town, which boosts the local economy and showcases Newark as a wonderful place to visit.

Tickets can be secured via www.newarkfestival.co.uk

Visit Newark; Stay, Explore, Shop

Richard Whiles from Newark Accommodation Providers spoke to the club about all of the brilliant attractions that are found in and around Newark.

He showed a short film which highlighted some of the top tourist spots in the town alongside some of the accommodation which is available to visitors.

Richard asked the club to get behind the launch of the new Visit Newark website, which is being revealed on Tuesday 7th March at Kelham Hall. Head to www.visit-newark.co.uk to view the new site.

Forget Convention!

Peter Watson from Chatty Imp advised the club on the best ways to target new and established customers through social media.

Peter reminded people that in this mobile-first world, where you can find your partner on Tinder, order your transport on Uber and sell your house on Rightmove advertisers are struggling to delivery traditional advertising to audiences who are actively avoiding adverts.

The chatty imp told the club that personal branding would grow in importance over the next five-years and suggested that businesses considered Facebook advertising now rather than waiting, as he foresees a sharp rise in advertising prices in the next four-years.

Farewell Anne

Amy Codd and James Fountain bid farewell to Anne Robson who officially stood down as the vice-chair of the Action Group at the end of February.

Anne, who has been a member of Newark Business Club for many years said that the Action Group was one of the things that makes Newark Business Club so special and unique.

Anne was presented with an orchid by James, who thanked her for all of her support.

Spring into a Skill Share

As Amy closed the March meeting she reminded club members to get involved in the skill share planned for the April meeting.

Club members have been asked to offer to share a skill and suggest a topic they would like to hear more about.

If you have a specific business skill that you would like to share with the club, please get in touch via chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk or tweet your suggestions to @newarkbc on Twitter.

Want to Join Our Club?

Fancy networking with likeminded business people and making better business links in Newark and the surrounding area? Then Newark Business Club is a great place to start.

The monthly meetings attract around 100 people from a range of local independent and national companies.

The next meeting will take place at the Everyday Champions Centre in Newark from 7am on Friday 7th April.

In the meantime, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/newarkbc or join the Facebook group. Just search Newark Business Club.