We were delighted to hear that the networking group that Chris Webb of Marks Howard and I launched just over a year ago has made it to the finals of the FSB Surrey Business Awards. 
Here are a few reasons why I believe we caught the eye of the judges and made it to the finals.
We bring fun to the serious job of networking
THE FORWARDS – Relaxed open networking over a welcome drink from the bar.
THE SCRUM – This is where it gets interesting! A networker will join three different tables of 4 or 5 people and have 5 minutes to talk about their businesses, how they help their clients and most importantly who they’d like to be introduced to.
THE BACKS – This is when Sam’s mouth-watering canapés arrive. They are of the highest quality and fit for a fine dining experience. This is the chance for networkers to catch up with people they may not have met during the ‘Scrum’.
WIN : WIN – Those who regularly support this networking event appreciate that all funds raised go to Dorking Rugby Football Club (DRFC), which is a registered charity.
The numbers and the networkers we attract
The average attendance for our first year was been 36, which coincidentally was the number we had at our very first meeting. This means our retention is 100%.
The companies represented range from large corporates such as Metro Bank, Handlesbanken and Haines Watts, through to SMEs and solopreneurs. The business people that attend are a good balance of regular faces and mixture of new blood.
Its hugely satisfying welcoming first timers and finding out that word of mouth has led them to us.
Great for Dorking Rugby Club
Since launching 1 year ago there have been 400+ attendees and c£5000 raised for DRFC.
Colin Troughton, Chairman of DRFC says, “This has been an excellent funding opportunity for the club and we do appreciate all the work that makes this the success it is.”
Great for Networkers
The structured ‘Scrum’ section of the networking ensures that all attendees have presented to between 9 – 12 networkers during the evening, making the very most of their networking time.
“It’s a refreshing way to network”. That’s what they say about Dorking Rugby Club Networking.
A BIG Thank You!
Chris and I would like to thank our loyal supporters who have helped us to make it through to the finals of the FSB Surrey Business Awards.
