February saw the inaugural ConnectWorking Breakfast at The Belmore in Sale, this was set up by Paul Mirage, Co-director of GM Business Connect Magazine. Paul saw the need for businesses to network in Trafford after he came up with the SaleTown Festive Quiz raising money for the Town’s Christmas lights. This event raised £2,500. Attending the quiz were many directors of large businesses who lived in the area.
The February breakfast kicked off with Dave O’Hearns of Dawn Creative who gave a great presentation about different aspects of branding. This was well received by all attendees over a full English breakfast, or bacon, egg and sausage rolls. There was a great chance for plenty of networking, with banners from attending businesses displayed around the room, along with an attendance list and name badges so everyone could see who was who. This was followed up with everyone having 30 seconds to introduce themselves and their businesses, and most importantly what they were looking for. The business card winner for a full bottle of Jeffrey’s Tonic and Meadows Gin was won by Susan Leigh of Lifestyle Therapy.
For the March breakfast we did something different again in the form of a live interview with Kyle Anthony, Director of M Postcode – a company which has shot to fame in the business community very quickly which started as a directory for businesses registered with a Manchester postcode (M33). Kyle didn’t want to do a presentation, so instead we arranged for Phil Crowshaw of Geeky Group to video a full interview which is available online, in which Kyle spoke of why he felt the business community wanted to get involved with his company. On the same morning Chris Sproule, General Manager of The Belmore, gave a quick talk about the newly refurbished hotel owned by JW Lees, which not only boasts a restaurant and bar but hotel and function room. Chris kindly gave away dinner for two with wine on a business card draw, this time picked by Sam Tuitupou, an ex All Blacks and Sale Sharks Rugby player. The lucky winner was Simon Edmondson from the FSB and The Business Network South Manchester. Our pictures were kindly taken by Andy Whittaker, who also owns his own business and joined us for networking on both dates.
The next event is pencilled in for 12 May, which has now been changed to a virtual event, but we hope to be back at The Belmore sometime soon. Keep an eye on the GM Business Connect Website and Eventbrite for up to date details.
Monthly Virtual Business Breakfast 9.30am – 11.00am • 15 April, 12 May, 10 June
Tickets through Eventbrite
PLEASE NOTE Events have gone online for the duration of the lockdown, when it is lifted we return to The Belmore Hotel, 143 Brooklands Road, Sale M33 3QN. For further information contact Paul Mirage on 07708 987518 or email paul@businessconnectpublishing.co.uk
