September saw First Friday Connectworking in the heart of Manchester at the infamous Peaky Blinders bar restaurant. A great place to visit for all fans of the gangster show. Although this month none of the guests were working for the underworld, well as far as we know. We started the evening all badged up and ready to go with free drinks on arrival, plus everyone attending gets entered into Forever Manchester’s Tombola ticket draw, where there was a chance to win 3 nights for two in Vienna. Then it was down to pure networking. People in business getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere with the intention to work or recommend each other moving forward.
We then proceeded with the business card draw, where Assistant Manager Gary Harvey drew out the business cards. First drawn was the infamous GM Biz Connect bottle of Bordeaux won by Paul Warrilow of TorFX who then kindly shared his prize with his guest. Then it was Tea for Two kindly donated by Great John Street Hotel which was won by Grant Rodgers of Get Recruited. We were honoured as Peaky Blinders gave us a £50 Peaky Blinders voucher, the winner was our non-drinking guest photographer Andy Whittaker from Andy Whittaker Photography of Sale, who joined us on his second only networking event.
Following the draw, we enjoyed what seemed endless amounts of delicious food which just kept coming much to the guests’ delight – especially as it was wind down time on a Friday afternoon! During this we also enjoyed live music from a suitably themed dressed band playing both old and popular cover songs.
Peaky Blinders has been carefully designed and inspired by the period drama, with burnt wood furniture and ambient lighting. When you arrive, you’re greeted by a host to ensure you feel part of the experience from the moment you step inside. With a 350-capacity bar taking full advantage of the unique characteristics of the 1920s themed building set on two floors. Inside you’ll find Victorian fixtures, giant copper vats and typical Peaky decor throughout. If you haven’t already tried it, we suggest you make an effort and do so, especially with live music four nights a week.
GM Business Connect Magazine is a proud supporter of Forever Manchester Charity, now in its 29th year, and is the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. Our next First Friday Connectworking will be held at Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel. At this event we will be joined by our friends from Jeffrey’s Tonic who will let us taste their range of flavoured tonics with Gin. You can book simply by going onto our website www.gmbusinessconnect.co.uk find us on Eventbrite. Hopefully we will see you there – and don’t forget your business cards!
