18 June, 2012, by Steve Upcraft
Ingenuity – the local business network
Over the last 4 years our network of local businesses has grown to well over 1000 people representing the full spectrum of businesses across the Greater Nottingham area.
The majority of those involved in the network are from micro and small businesses including soletraders and social enterprises however, we also have a healthy mix of medium sized companies.
So why are they involved and what draws others to join this growing business community? Many of the business leaders are regular attenders at our Ingenuity KnowldegXchange breakfast events where senior University of Nottingham academic staff, supported by experienced owner/managers, provide insights into generic business themes such strategic planning, risk, finance and innovation. For others the monthly newsletter is a simple and efficient way of keeping up to date with many of the university’s activities that are of direct relevance to the local and regional business community.
The University of Nottingham is committed to working with businesses regardless of their size so why not join us for a working breakfast on the 10th July or sign up and receive a copy of our monthly newsletter.
Do you have any plans to make this network available in other towns?
Jules
Jules – it’s an interesting comment.
We don’t restrict attendance at any of our Ingenuity events; clearly the majority of people work within the Greater Nottingham area but others travel from some distance away (that’s one of the many benefits of not being constrained with ‘funding’ – we have no Post Code limitations!).
For those further afield, the option of traveling to Nottingham every six weeks for breakfast is unrealistic so why not check out your local university? Many run specialist ‘technical’ networks however I’m unaware of similar ‘generic business networks’ like Ingenuity – if you or anyone else knows of one please let me have the details as I ‘d like to get in touch.
One of the challenges you may face is trying to find an appropriate contact within your local university who would have knowledge of their business engagement/networking activities – if that’s the case please just mail me and I’ll see if I can assist in finding the right person to contact.
As for the University of Nottingham taking ‘Ingenuity – the local business network’ to other locations I would suggest that is highly unlikely. It has taken several years and much persistance to build the vibrant and very supportive business community to its current size – it might be a winning formula but it’s been hard work!
Steve