What great conversations reveal

During the Exeter Business Network event on August 1st I had the privilege of having lunch with some fantastic people

What did I learn?

From Michelle Thomas – Conference and Events Manager at Exeter Racecourse.  The new rewards for recommendations programme -plus  Conference and Events Customers Go Racing for Free.  If you attend a business event at Exeter Racecourse or any one of our Jockey Club Venues & enjoy a ‘Day at the Races’ on us.

And the 1920’s themed Christmas Party Nights -3 nights SOLD OUT – details here

Clare Owen – Business Development Manager at Daneswood – currently delivering fantastic websites to over 220 customers – specialists in e-commerce and the only dog friendly website designers and developers in Exeter.

Hugh Mitchell – High Path VAT Consultancy-specialist in dealing with the numerous unusual VAT issues – Commercial properties, Listed Buildings, Barn Conversions, VAT and charities, even shedding the light on the ‘Pasty Tax’.  Are you ready for “When the VAT Man Calls”?

Robert Townsend – producer/director of the unique paranormal thriller – Deadly Intent.  Unique in that is has been written by a woman, the leading roles are women, the producer and director are women.  Robert and Diana have had numerous short films shown at the Cannes Film Festival.  Deadly Intent gives you the opportunity to invest in a South West based enterprise which already has support from experts who have worked on harry Potter, Bourne Supremacy and Pirates of the Caribbean films.  Robert talked about the wealth of film making talent in the South West – a full galleon set being built in Dawlish!

Steve Hartland – Marla Custom Blinds – a new visitor to the event – looking to develop his business which designs, supplies and installs blinds, shutters for domestic and commercial customers.  Steve met with Vince Ware – Business Furniture Group – who was looking for a local supplier and then met a member who is looking for blinds for his new house

Chris Wood from Q Social Media talked about the real opportunities that can arise from a co-ordinated use of social media applications – Google Ads, Google+,  Dashboard applications.  With the correct set up and the right diagnostics in place business can be developed, money saved and presence increased.    Steve from Marla Blinds having been on one of Chris’s courses gave a great testimonial!

Rick Credland Proctor – senior partner with St James’s Place Wealth Management – talked about the Foundation.

Formed in 1992, the Foundation is the charitable arm of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group and has so far raised a total of £24 million.

The St. James’s Place Foundation funds hundreds of projects each year and to ensure its needs can be supported it relies heavily on the generosity and actions of Partners and staff to raise vital funds.

The Foundation supports hundreds of charities under the following themes:

• Cherishing the Children
• Combating Cancer
• Supporting Hospices

If you are a UK registered charity or special needs school, you can find out more aboutapplying for a grant.

All I can say is that through conversation and listening not only do opportunities arise, your knowledge is enhanced and relationships are formed.  What better way of having a team of advocates for you and your business and being an advocate for other people.