Networking can be a daunting prospect to some smaller businesses or voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations – so Sir Robert McAlpine is trying to help them bridge the gap.
Over the past year Sir Robert McAlpine has promoted guest invitations to business networking events, offering introduction and access to potential supporters and customers to support growth and resilience of small and VCSE organisations.
These have been offered through Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, Phoenix Enterprise Centre and TEG Retail.
And most recently, Emma Wells, from VCSE organisation Unseen Victims, was extended an invite to a Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Networx event.
Micro organisations, start-ups and VCSEs frequently do not have the connections and finance to access business networking. Networking can also be intimidating, particularly with larger organisations yet it is invaluable in terms of business growth and sustainability.
Claire Louise Chapman, SRM Social Impact Lead, said: “So many of our business network events offer the opportunity for guest attendance, and it’s a simple, yet really impactful thing for Sir Robert McAlpine to offer for small enterprises and local charities.
“It’s nice making connections with local organisations, demonstrating our commitment to West Cumbria.”
Emma Wells, of The Unseen Victims Project, added: “I really enjoyed the event and found the speakers very interesting. I met with some lovely individuals from organisations who seemed engaged with The Unseen Victims Project, and invited me to expand on our discussions further, in the future.
“Thank you once again for affording me this opportunity. I am sure that any others who are offered this chance in the future will come away from the event feeling how I have done.”