Local business owners have come together to set up a new form of ‘networking’ in Northwich.
Mixing light exercise followed by an informal chat amongst fellow business leaders, the group meet at 07:30am every Wednesday morning at the back of Brio Leisure Centre. They run (or walk) a popular circuit round the back of Vickersway Park and finish the 30 minute session with a drink and a chat in the Leisure Centre Café.
The idea stemmed from a conversation between Wedding Videographer Paul Doffman at Harvey Films and Alan Wilcox from Wilcox Rendering Specialists. Both entrepreneurs are members of Northwich Running Club, which Alan Wilcox also founded and where he is lead coach.
Both parties are keen to ensure the new venture veers away from the norm, with most networking occasions being formal events involving generating leads and sales.
Instead, Paul and Alan want the idea to evolve into a community of people who learn from, and support, one another. In particular, they want to highlight the fact that it is open for anyone to join no matter their fitness levels, hence some choose to walk.
When asked what they were hoping to achieve from the group, Paul said: “We want to create an opportunity for people to get a really great start to their day by getting some exercise, socialising with likeminded people and also promoting their business by casually networking with others.”
He continued, “We want this to be a community of supportive people that can learn from one another’s experiences. I’ve found myself really looking forward to Wednesdays, and beginning the day with a short run or walk can leave you in a much more chatty and social mood for networking. It’s a really nice blend.”
The group already have a wide range of business owners involved, including Deborah Short from Nose To Tail Dog Grooming, local Beekeeper Karl Colyer, Sarah Colquitt who runs Little Yoga Warriors, Marketing and PR Account Manager Kat Hooker and Videographer Josh Edwards.
Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant Tiffany Moorcroft is also an Active Networking member and had nothing but positive words to say about the morning meetups so far.
“It’s great that likeminded people can come together to walk, jog or run,” she said.
“Working on your own is great but meeting up for exercise and companionship can be wonderfully supportive. Even if you’re thinking about doing a part-time business, you are welcome.”
If you would like to get involved simply join the group on the back steps of Brio Leisure Centre at 7:30am every Wednesday morning. People from any background and experience are welcome to participate in this ‘Active Networking’ initiative.
Check out the group Facebook page for more information: Northwich Active Networking.
