Your Future Networks Here

Around 90 businesspeople from Newark and the surrounding areas gathered at the YMCA for Newark Business Club’s July meeting. In a slight change to proceedings, Kevin Guthrie stepped in to welcome members and started the roving mic for introductions.

Meeting Sponsor – Future Prospects Group

This month’s meeting was sponsored by Future Prospects Group, a local recruitment, training and HR support services business. Director Simon Gabbitas gave us an insight into the company’s vision, values and history.

The company’s vision is to create lasting relationships built on trust, excellence and innovation in line with its values of quality, perseverance, integrity, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and sustainability. Over the past 13 years, the business’s focus on innovation and quality has been recognised with many awards, including Newcomer of the Year at the National Online Recruitment Awards in 2015 and Business Innovation of the Year at the Newark Business Awards in 2024.

Since being set up by Katie Gabbitas in 2012, the company has evolved from providing purely recruitment services and now consists of three business divisions: Future Prospects Recruitment Solutions, Purple Path Training Solutions and Altogethr HR Support Services.

Purple Path Training Solutions offers businesses online and onsite training. With 140 online learning courses to choose from, online training is a cost-effective and convenient way to train staff in a variety of areas including management and leadership, food safety and hygiene, Microsoft Office and Health & Safety. Bespoke onsite training is tailored to each client’s exact requirements and delivered by accredited specialist trainers.

Altogethr provides specialist advice, support and guidance to small and medium-sized businesses across the entire range of HR services from employment contracts and onboarding to redundancy and dismissals support.

As a corporate member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), Future Prospects adheres to the organisation’s ten principles, which include respect for laws, honesty & transparency and confidentiality & privacy. To assure clients of the quality of its services, the business is audited by the REC and commits to adhere to their Code of Professional Practice.

The Business Card Draw

Next on the agenda was the business card draw. The winners of a write-up each were Simon Machin of Beaumond House Hospice Care, a first-time visitor, and Paul Andrew of Brand Newark, a regular attendee.

Who Gives a Book?!

Two books were given away this month. Roz Andrews of RA Book Editing recommended Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, which was won by Clare Copping of Starfish Hypnotherapy. A copy of Put on Your Positive Pants, written by Newark Business Club member Claire Clements, was won by Nigel Lamb of Xposure Creative.

Newark Business Club’s Charity Initiative

As part of Newark Business Club’s Charity Initiative, three local charities gave three-minute presentations about the wonderful work they carry out in the local community.

Julia Sandhu from Reach Learning Disability played a video showing how the charity’s Reach Newark and Flower Pod centres provide safe spaces for adults with learning disabilities to develop life skills and build confidence.

Every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Headway Lincolnshire provides help and information for people with brain injuries and offers counselling for brain injury survivors and their families. Its peer group meetings and social activities provide a safe and supportive space for brain injury survivors and their families.

YMCA Scholarships support families and children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to take part in YMCA activities, including Camp Williams during summer holidays. This valuable support enables children to develop skills and confidence while taking part in fun activities in a supportive environment.

During the coffee break, voting took place to decide which of these charities would receive a donation.

Two Minute Talk

This month, the spotlight shone on Joanne Ferguson, owner of Hunter Global Business Solutions for a two minute talk to the club. The two minute talk is selected from everyone that books their ticket online.

Patron Slot – Radio Newark

Michelle Allen from Radio Newark, a patron of Newark Business Club, spoke of how Radio Newark is completely run by a team of dedicated volunteers, who take on a variety of roles from presenters to financial managers, but they all have one thing in common – they are passionate about being part of a local independent radio station and enjoy each of their roles.

Radio Newark is an integral part of the community, supporting local events and catering to everyone, regardless of their age or interests. For example, Newark Amplified is a radio programme that showcases local bands and musicians, while Radio Newark’s local news bulletins are provided in partnership with iLiffe Media.

Charity Initiative – Result Of The Vote

Following a vote by all attendees, the winner of Newark Business Club’s charity initiative was announced. With a tight vote, YMCA Newark and Sherwood’s confidence-building work with young people in the local community will be supported by a total donation of £600 from the club and Newark & District Round Table.

Announcements

Among the closing announcements were several events taking place in July. The Newark Community Fun Day, organised by Positively Empowered Kids and Positive Pants, will take place at Christ Church School on 12^th July from 11am until 3pm. Come along and enjoy a wide range of activities to support the health and wellbeing of children and adults.

The YMCA Village celebrates its third birthday with a Celebration Day for all the family on 12^th July from 10am. Join in with a wide range of activities from biking and climbing to animation workshops and board games. Relax and enjoy the live entertainment and barbeque lunch or bring your own picnic.

A Wellness Talk and Product Sampling will be held at Fernwood Village Hall on 23^rd July from 7.30pm until 9.15pm.

Newark Business Club’s Action Group will meet on 28^th July at the Organ Grinder pub at 6pm. Come along to help make Newark better for business.

Looking further ahead, local teams will compete in the Dragon Boat Race at the Riverside Park on 14^th September in support of the Children’s Bereavement Centre. If you would like to take part, register your team at www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/dragon-boat-race

The Economic Growth Conference, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, will explore the topic of ‘Resilience and Growth in a Changing World’ on 9^th October at Southwell Racecourse with keynote speaker Bev Hurley CBE, CEO of YTKO.

Next meeting

The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on August 1st at the YMCA.

By Roz Andrews, RA Writers for Hire Ltd and RA Book Editing

Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors

Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 1st August at the YMCA.

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

Book your ticket now

For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk