The Employer’s Network Breakfast

On Friday 2nd February, Brooklands College hosted a free networking event alongside Runnymede and Elmbridge Borough Councils aimed at startups and small businesses looking to network and grow in 2024. The event was a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals and expand their professional network. Attendees had the chance to hear from industry experts and gain valuable insights into business development and growth strategies.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the college principal, Christine Ricketts and introductions by Doug Perkins, from Elmbridge Borough Council, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking in today’s competitive business landscape. This set the tone for the rest of the event, creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all participants.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by Roya Crouace, a renowned business support expert. Roya shared her extensive experience in working with over 400 high-growth businesses in the past four years. She provided practical ideas and strategies for small businesses to thrive in the post-Covid “New Normal” era. Her insights on developing a clear vision and implementing effective strategies resonated with the audience, who were eager to apply these principles to their own ventures.

The following speaker was Alison Linnington, Employer Advisor Lead at the Department for Work & Pensions. Alison shed light on the services offered by JobCentre Plus, free of charge, to assist small businesses in filling any vacancies they may have. This invaluable resource can be a significant advantage for start-ups and smaller enterprises, as it provides access to a pool of talented individuals seeking employment. Alison’s presentation highlighted the importance of leveraging these services to support business growth and development.

The Youth Hub, led by Ben Hyde Wardle, has also proven to be highly effective in providing assistance and support to young individuals aged 16-24. The Youth Hub, based at the College works actively to facilitate the participation of local residents and businesses to offer opportunities for young people in employment and training programmes, apprenticeships and traineeships, work trials and access to work support.

Overall, the networking event was a resounding success. It provided a platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect, learn, and grow. The presentations by Roya Crouace and Alison Linnington offered valuable insights and practical advice that will undoubtedly benefit the attendees in their professional journeys.

Find out more about how Brooklands College works with employers and Industry partners. https://www.brooklands.ac.uk/business-and-community/business-and-community-overview/