Creating Connections Through Business Networking at BCIMO

As a key aspect of business development, networking is an essential on the ‘to do’ list but, for those tasked with the ‘doing’, it can be a little daunting, particularly if they’re new to the role… and even more so when they’re new to the profession or industry. This week, BCIMO hosted an event which aims to help allay those fears with a gentle introduction to the art.

The 18:00 Club was developed by regional solicitors, Talbots Law, in partnership with local accountants, Azets, specifically to give young professionals – in and outside of the legal and financial professions – an opportunity to ‘learn’ how to network in an environment which feels more comfortable. Open to attendees of a similar age and career point, the meetings avoid the usual ‘first time’ hurdle of meeting and making conversation with those who are older and more experienced, allowing them to practice entering and navigating a room of people they don’t know and develop conversations, including both small talk and work-focused, in a safer space.

At the heart of the Black Country and so easily accessible from across the region, the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) was an ideal venue, with flexible spaces meaning that events can be tailored to each client. For the 18:00 Club, the relaxed social atmosphere was created in the Exhibition Hall with cabaret-style seating alongside plenty of room to stand and chat, with dimmed lighting and accent uplighters in corporate or event-specific colours. Catering for the evening was a broad selection of light canapes from Skyline Catering and Savva Bars provided their full-service pop-up option, serving a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, including mocktails.

Welcoming guests in the Hall’s reception area, the Talbots and Azets’ networking team guided new arrivals and answered any questions they had beforehand, and whilst some seemed understandably a little hesitant at first, conversations soon developed, with a real buzz as the evening progressed. In addition to developing essential networking skills and more specifically confidence, generationally-focused events also provide the opportunity for young professionals to develop their own peer connections, i.e., with others who will progress through their careers at the same time, and so those that they met at the event could potentially become long-term contacts, project collaborators or possible colleagues, or even personal friends.

Networking was most definitely a regional theme this week, with nearby Wolverhampton hosting ‘Business Week’, including a series of opportunities for organisations and individuals across the professional spectrum to catch up, both with contacts old and new, and on a range of activities and initiatives within the area. From discussions on the potential for AI to enhance business to advice on how to compete for council contracts, and a busy drop in for all things ‘marketing’ to a chance to explore manufacturing expertise and the growing impact of the social economy. Mid-week, the local football stadium hosted the latest in a series of ‘Molineux Meets’ networking events, followed by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s monthly ‘Wolverhampton Wednesday’ network meeting at the City of Wolverhampton college campus in Bilston.

One of the highlights of the week was on Thursday, with Wolverhampton Science Park hosting the launch of a new comprehensive service being offered by the University of Wolverhampton’s Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED), entitled ‘WLV Business Link’, designed to support entrepreneurship, foster collaboration and drive economic growth. The event encompassed stands from university departments, including the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and the National Brownfield Institute, alongside service providers, such as Chamber of Commerce, and so with significant potential to network, but focused on presentations from a range of speakers on topics ranging from funding support for businesses to a focus on ‘green’ innovation.

Finally, the BCIMO week concluded with a visit from masters’ students from the University of Birmingham, the agenda for which comprised of sessions within the Auditorium but significant time down on the Rail Development & Test Site, visiting aspects such as Test Track, Tunnel and Engineering Hall, and utilising the Transport Systems Simulator. Again it was a great opportunity for students to network, both within their peer group – including students from the UK and overseas – and with the BCIMO team… more on this in next week’s article.

Dan Malin, Marketing Manager at Talbots Law, reflecting on the networking event, said:

“The 18:00 Club started in 2022 and has so far brought more than 400 young professionals together to build vital experience and confidence as they take the next steps in their careers.

The BCIMO team went above and beyond from the initial point of enquiry all the way through to the delivery of our event. The space was fantastic and both Helena and Helen thought of everything and coordinated all third-party suppliers in the run-up to the event, meaning we could simply focus on hosting our guests. We’ll definitely be using the venue again the next time we need a space and would recommend to anyone looking to host an event in the central region.”

On the WLV Business Link launch, Ceri Jones, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University, said:

“Our aim through this new network is to position the University as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and facilitator of business and innovation engagement and activity.

In the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4) assessment, the University has maintained its position as one of the top institutions nationally and has scored highly for local growth and regeneration, working with business and the public and third sector as well as engaging with the public and community.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming local businesses to our official launch event on Thursday, providing the first networking platform for engagement as well as an overview of what we can offer them in terms of facilities, Knowledge Exchange and support.”

Reflecting on the role of networking, Helen Wolf, Marketing & Commercial Officer at BCIMO, said:

“Networking is absolutely central to an effective business-to-business marketing strategy and times have moved on significantly, with the focus now on building longer term trust-based relationships with a range of contacts and the potential for third-party referrals based on those relationships offering even further reach. It’s also essential in gaining insight into changes, and thus possible opportunities, within your sector and the broader business environment.

So, for new networkers, it’s important to learn the skills needed, from planning and preparing, attending and communicating, to connecting and maintaining… and for experienced networkers to update their skills too. Being part of an active community, with opportunities to supply, buy and collaborate, is key to business success and sustainability, so it’s essential to get out there.”

For more information on BCIMO or the VLRNIC, please visit the BCIMO website or click Contact Us to make an enquiry / sign up to our mailing list.