Daniel Otton of Buttercross Estates introduced Newark Business Club’s Charity Initiative. Representatives from three local charities were invited to give short presentations on their valuable contributions to the local community.
The Barnby Road Academy Community Wellbeing Group
The Barnby Road Academy Community Wellbeing Group is a surplus food charity, collecting food that would otherwise be wasted from supermarkets and distributing it to members of the community in need. Each year, the group makes up and distributes 150 Christmas hampers, which contain everything a family of four needs for a traditional roast dinner on Christmas Day, including a dessert donated by local company Bakkavor Desserts. Last year’s donation to the group from the business club was used to build a wooden structure to shelter people from the rain while waiting for food.
Newark Women’s Aid
Celebrating its 50th year in 2025, Newark Women’s Aid is a small charity providing a safe place for women and children who are fleeing from domestic violence. The charity provides a wide range of help and support, from legal aid to finding long-term accommodation. Funding is used to provide bedding, toiletries and other items needed by the women and children living in the refuge, as well as for furniture, light bulbs and other essentials required when they move into permanent accommodation.
Sam White Legacy
The Sam White Legacy was set up by Mark and Pam White to honour their son, Sam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 12. The charity raises awareness about brain tumours affecting children and supports research into pioneering treatment for childhood brain tumours to increase survival rates.
Donation
All three charities received a donation of £500 from a combination of Newark Business Club, Newark & District Round Table and the BNA Charity.
Table Networking
Table networking followed, with everyone giving a one-minute presentation about their business to the others on their table.
Newark and Sherwood Gift Card
Local retailers offer so much that online retailers don’t – personal, friendly customer service, the opportunity to compare or try on various products before you buy, unusual and quirky gifts, and so much more. The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card can be redeemed in more than 90 shops, salons, cafes, restaurants and other small businesses in Newark and the surrounding area. The people with the best one-minute presentations during table networking received a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card. A great reminder to shop local and support local businesses.
Member Spotlight
This month, the spotlight shone on Carrie Boughtwood, founder of APT Legal, a business that advises clients on wills, powers of attorney and other aspects of estate planning in a clear, calm and supportive environment. Carrie started the business almost ten years ago and now employs five staff based in an office at Newark Beacon. She underlined the importance of writing your own will and putting a lasting power of attorney in place, which allows a person you trust to look after your affairs in case of a long-term illness.
Who Gives a Book?!
This month’s inspiring business book was Alchemy by Rory Sutherland, which was recommended by Nigel Lamb of Xposure Creative. Emma Gilbert from CASY won a copy of the book.
The Business Card Draw
Next on the agenda was the business card draw. The winners of a write-up each were Joe Simpson of Invisible Dragon, a first-time visitor, and Joanne Ferguson of Hunter Global Business Solutions, a regular attendee.
Patron Sponsor – Peachy Events
Ben Poucher of Peachy Events gave a whistle-stop video tour of the company’s projects in 2025. These included conferences, festivals, live events, and immersive experiences which merge lighting with special effects. From creating a building that looks like a boat to making trees talk, the team have enjoyed working on a variety of projects across the East Midlands.
Christmas Quiz
A fun Christmas quiz followed and the competition between tables was intense as everyone wracked their brains to answer questions on Christmas music and films and decipher Catchphrase-style puzzles. The three tables with the highest scores were victorious, winning tubs of Heroes chocolates!
Announcements
Among the closing announcements were that tickets are still available for An Evening at Harlaxton Manor, a Christmas networking event organised jointly by the business clubs in Newark and Grantham on 16 December. Local businesses are invited to sponsor tables at the event.
Several local charities, including Reach Newark, Beaumond House, the Children’s Bereavement Centre and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge under which all donations are doubled from 2-9 December. Support them if you can!
The Children’s Bereavement Centre’s Christmas Jumper Challenge takes place on 12 December. For more details, go to https://www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/christmas-jumper-challenge-2025
Newark & Sherwood District Council is offering a fully funded Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Upscaling Course in 2026. For further information, contact the Economic Growth team: economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Looking further ahead, the next meeting of Newark Dining Club, which combines networking with supporting local restaurants, will take place on 11 March 2026 at Castle Cuisine in Newark.
Last but by no means least, business club member Janice Rose of Janice Rose Lingerie won the Special Care Recognition Award at the Stars Underlines Best Shops Awards 2025, and Matthew Taylor of MT Productions was thanked for his dedication to filming, editing and producing Newark Business Club’s meeting videos over the past three years.
Member Spotlight
Joanne Ferguson, owner of Hunter Global Business Solutions has created a strong HR & Training strategy that strengthens any team, enabling them to carry out their roles efficiently by being aware of the important part they play within their business. This awareness of responsibility encourages staff to reach their potential, by highlighting the consequences of not carrying out their roles correctly and fully supporting them to be the best they can be. This enables business owners to work on their business rather than in it.
Joanne also offers a Total Quality Management Service for businesses through QMS Auditing. Tailoring over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance within any industry as well as industry specific requirements. Auditing BRCGS or ISO standards 9000: Quality, 14001: Environmental, ISO 45001 (previously OHSAS 18001): Health and Safety; enhancing businesses internal auditors or offering an independent service. Joanne’s aim is to ensure that all companies she works with are compliant in all areas of business.
“I went into business to help people become the best version of themselves through training, development and understanding of exactly what is expected of them. Seeing people blossom is the best reward for any HR professional”.
Another way Joanne helps people is by saving them money. Either as a Utility Warehouse Partner, saving money on residential utilities; Energy, Broadband, Mobile Sims and Insurance; or as a Full Power Partner saving businesses on their commercial utilities; Energy, Broadband, water and waste. Get in touch at joanne@hgbusinesssolutions.co.uk
Newark Business Club’s January Meeting
You are invited to join us for Newark Business Club’s January meeting on 9 January at 6.45 am at the YMCA.
By Roz Andrews, RA Writers For Hire Ltd and RA Book Editing
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2025: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 9th January at the YMCA and doors open 6.45am.
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk
Around 100 businesspeople from Newark and the surrounding area headed to the YMCA for Newark Business Club’s festive December meeting. Colourful festive attire was the norm, with elves and Santa outfits, flashing lights and an array of Christmas jumpers decorating the room.
Chairman Simon Gabbitas of Future Prospects Group welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the business club’s committee and its patron, calendar and table sponsors for their contributions this year.
The roving mic travelled around the room, allowing everyone to introduce themselves and their businesses.
Charity Initiative
Daniel Otton of Buttercross Estates introduced Newark Business Club’s Charity Initiative. Representatives from three local charities were invited to give short presentations on their valuable contributions to the local community.
The Barnby Road Academy Community Wellbeing Group
The Barnby Road Academy Community Wellbeing Group is a surplus food charity, collecting food that would otherwise be wasted from supermarkets and distributing it to members of the community in need. Each year, the group makes up and distributes 150 Christmas hampers, which contain everything a family of four needs for a traditional roast dinner on Christmas Day, including a dessert donated by local company Bakkavor Desserts. Last year’s donation to the group from the business club was used to build a wooden structure to shelter people from the rain while waiting for food.
Newark Women’s Aid
Celebrating its 50th year in 2025, Newark Women’s Aid is a small charity providing a safe place for women and children who are fleeing from domestic violence. The charity provides a wide range of help and support, from legal aid to finding long-term accommodation. Funding is used to provide bedding, toiletries and other items needed by the women and children living in the refuge, as well as for furniture, light bulbs and other essentials required when they move into permanent accommodation.
Sam White Legacy
The Sam White Legacy was set up by Mark and Pam White to honour their son, Sam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 12. The charity raises awareness about brain tumours affecting children and supports research into pioneering treatment for childhood brain tumours to increase survival rates.
Donation
All three charities received a donation of £500 from a combination of Newark Business Club, Newark & District Round Table and the BNA Charity.
Table Networking
Table networking followed, with everyone giving a one-minute presentation about their business to the others on their table.
Newark and Sherwood Gift Card
Local retailers offer so much that online retailers don’t – personal, friendly customer service, the opportunity to compare or try on various products before you buy, unusual and quirky gifts, and so much more. The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card can be redeemed in more than 90 shops, salons, cafes, restaurants and other small businesses in Newark and the surrounding area. The people with the best one-minute presentations during table networking received a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card. A great reminder to shop local and support local businesses.
Member Spotlight
This month, the spotlight shone on Carrie Boughtwood, founder of APT Legal, a business that advises clients on wills, powers of attorney and other aspects of estate planning in a clear, calm and supportive environment. Carrie started the business almost ten years ago and now employs five staff based in an office at Newark Beacon. She underlined the importance of writing your own will and putting a lasting power of attorney in place, which allows a person you trust to look after your affairs in case of a long-term illness.
Who Gives a Book?!
This month’s inspiring business book was Alchemy by Rory Sutherland, which was recommended by Nigel Lamb of Xposure Creative. Emma Gilbert from CASY won a copy of the book.
The Business Card Draw
Next on the agenda was the business card draw. The winners of a write-up each were Joe Simpson of Invisible Dragon, a first-time visitor, and Joanne Ferguson of Hunter Global Business Solutions, a regular attendee.
Patron Sponsor – Peachy Events
Ben Poucher of Peachy Events gave a whistle-stop video tour of the company’s projects in 2025. These included conferences, festivals, live events, and immersive experiences which merge lighting with special effects. From creating a building that looks like a boat to making trees talk, the team have enjoyed working on a variety of projects across the East Midlands.
Christmas Quiz
A fun Christmas quiz followed and the competition between tables was intense as everyone wracked their brains to answer questions on Christmas music and films and decipher Catchphrase-style puzzles. The three tables with the highest scores were victorious, winning tubs of Heroes chocolates!
Announcements
Among the closing announcements were that tickets are still available for An Evening at Harlaxton Manor, a Christmas networking event organised jointly by the business clubs in Newark and Grantham on 16 December. Local businesses are invited to sponsor tables at the event.
Several local charities, including Reach Newark, Beaumond House, the Children’s Bereavement Centre and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge under which all donations are doubled from 2-9 December. Support them if you can!
The Children’s Bereavement Centre’s Christmas Jumper Challenge takes place on 12 December. For more details, go to https://www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/christmas-jumper-challenge-2025
Newark & Sherwood District Council is offering a fully funded Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Upscaling Course in 2026. For further information, contact the Economic Growth team: economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Looking further ahead, the next meeting of Newark Dining Club, which combines networking with supporting local restaurants, will take place on 11 March 2026 at Castle Cuisine in Newark.
Last but by no means least, business club member Janice Rose of Janice Rose Lingerie won the Special Care Recognition Award at the Stars Underlines Best Shops Awards 2025, and Matthew Taylor of MT Productions was thanked for his dedication to filming, editing and producing Newark Business Club’s meeting videos over the past three years.
Member Spotlight
Joanne Ferguson, owner of Hunter Global Business Solutions has created a strong HR & Training strategy that strengthens any team, enabling them to carry out their roles efficiently by being aware of the important part they play within their business. This awareness of responsibility encourages staff to reach their potential, by highlighting the consequences of not carrying out their roles correctly and fully supporting them to be the best they can be. This enables business owners to work on their business rather than in it.
Joanne also offers a Total Quality Management Service for businesses through QMS Auditing. Tailoring over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance within any industry as well as industry specific requirements. Auditing BRCGS or ISO standards 9000: Quality, 14001: Environmental, ISO 45001 (previously OHSAS 18001): Health and Safety; enhancing businesses internal auditors or offering an independent service. Joanne’s aim is to ensure that all companies she works with are compliant in all areas of business.
“I went into business to help people become the best version of themselves through training, development and understanding of exactly what is expected of them. Seeing people blossom is the best reward for any HR professional”.
Another way Joanne helps people is by saving them money. Either as a Utility Warehouse Partner, saving money on residential utilities; Energy, Broadband, Mobile Sims and Insurance; or as a Full Power Partner saving businesses on their commercial utilities; Energy, Broadband, water and waste. Get in touch at joanne@hgbusinesssolutions.co.uk
Newark Business Club’s January Meeting
You are invited to join us for Newark Business Club’s January meeting on 9 January at 6.45 am at the YMCA.
By Roz Andrews, RA Writers For Hire Ltd and RA Book Editing
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2025: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 9th January at the YMCA and doors open 6.45am.
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk
