Business Connect recently attended the January 2022 Manchester Business Catalyst Club Lunch and spoke to MD Graham Shiers about the club.
Graham – how are things going with the Business Catalyst Club now Covid restrictions have lifted?
“Zoom and other online platforms were a great way of staying connected and keeping in touch with both old and new contacts during the pandemic – not too many years ago that just would not have been possible. However, there’s absolutely no doubt that most people are desperate, not to mention delighted, to get back to face-to-face. Our events were always popular, but since lockdown ended late last year the demand for places at The Business Catalyst Club Lunches has simply exploded.”
So, what makes you different?
“Firstly, it’s an invitation-only event aimed at decision makers, and focusing on building relationships rather than selling. Also, we’re so much more than just networking. At each Lunch we provide a platform for companies seeking private investment to pitch, plus we highlight a number of opportunities and deals that come across our desk. And the food is great!”
What types of opportunities do you feature?
“We matchmake companies seeking private equity at the Angel level with investor contacts looking for new opportunities, so the appetite in that respect is quite wide. We also introduce and broker business sales and disposals, Buy-ins and Buy-outs, property and land deals and are receiving an increasing number of requests and enquiries regarding acquisitions across a wide range of sectors.”
Are you Sector specific?
“Absolutely not. We have members and guests representing everything from IT to engineering, construction and property to cybersecurity, marketing to Insurance, Law and Finance to Banking, and the list goes on. All we look for are quality people at the right end of the company or organisation with a positive attitude to growing their business who want meet and do business in a relaxed yet dynamic setting with likeminded people.”
Laura Weldon, and Graham Shiers, Catalyst Club Director
Are you just based in the North West?
“We operate in Manchester and Leeds. We host four Lunches a year in each city and between them attract an audience from across the M62 corridor and also regularly attract attendees from London, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and further afield.”
How do people get an invitation?
“The Lunches are invitation only. Guests can attend once, free of charge, after which it’s an annual membership. Our members can invite a decision maker guest on each occasion.
Upcoming Leeds Lunch dates
Thursday 26 May 2022
Thursday 15 September 2022
Thursday 24 November 2022
Upcoming Manchester Lunch dates
Tuesday 26 April 2022
Thursday 7 July 2022
Thursday 20 October 2022
For more information or to arrange a guest invitation please contact Graham Shiers at
graham@BusinessCatalystClub.co.uk or visit www.BusinessCatalystClub.co.uk
