There was a slightly different tone (quite literally) to The Boardroom Network Solent this month. Our resident MC Jay Rachet was brushing up on his skills, leaving us in the hands of Lex McKee.
Lex McKee kept everything to time (and beat with his own PA system) at the Solent Hotel, with 63 members and visitors. There were four distinct and diverse presenters this month from within the membership – one with a “Royal” theme!
Zara Hogg from Wilkins Kennedy Chartered Accountants took to the stage to demonstrate why Monty Python’s Lion Tamer sketch was way off the mark, and that life as an accountant was by no means ‘…dull and tedious, and stuffy and boring, and so desperately dull!’ as alleged by Mr . Anchovy in the aforementioned sketch!
Working with such a wide variety of exciting and interesting clients, in many different sectors, each with different needs, no two days are the same, and life is never dull!
The buzz comes from dealing with the bigger picture for clients, both being part of their strategic team and helping them work towards their goals, as well as supporting them in sorting out their day to day finance problems which may be keeping them awake at night – even receiving a declaration of love from one client, for helping them resolve an issue they couldn’t deal with alone.
Linda Daniels from the Southern Sustainable Partnership told us all about The 2017 Big Green Business Event. This is being held on the 12th October 2017 at The Hilton Ageas Bowl. The Keynote speaker is Head of Innovation of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circular Economy Mr. Ken Webster. With a total of 90 exhibition spaces, you will see businesses from solar energy to natural pest control and be able to test drive the latest electric and hybrid vehicles. There are also free workshops to attend but you need to be quick and register! This conference has been built out of a lot of passion – to quote Kevin Costner from Field of Dreams – “If you build it they will come’.
We then got to use all our senses – from listening and speaking during the table talks, to taste and smell during breakfast. Chris Muirhead from Palm Print awoke our 5th sense – “touch” which focused on those all-important business cards. With so many choices you need to give yourself a sporting chance of standing out from the crowd. Chris showed us a delightful array of different types of business cards this innovative company offer, along with outstanding customer service for all your print requirements.
Finally, Mick Collins – (always a welcome raconteur ) updated us on a recent “Royal” order fulfilled for a certain Duchess’s birthday! The Chocolate Lounge has relocated and is now fully up and running from its new home in Southsea. TCL is not just somewhere to buy your chocolates – it is also a cafe and event space offering themed events involving Gin, Rum and inevitably Chocoholic delights. Chocolates emblazoned with your own logo are also available – a great way to promote your own business, mark a special event or provide your customers a Corporate Treat – (much admired by a Duchess!).
A couple of upcoming events to mention: On the 10th October Warren Cass the author of the bestseller Influence will be the keynote speaker at the Hotel du Vin in Poole.
Kate Underwood is running some workshops for small businesses at the Hotel TerraVina, why not check out both for a bit of extra knowledge and networking.
The next TBN events will be in Bournemouth on the 5th October at the Hallmark Hotel and we return to The Hambledon Suite at The Solent Hotel & Spa on the 20th October.