I love my job. I really do. As a copywriter I have a license to be super-nosey about people in all sorts of businesses and industries (which makes me a handy addition to any pub quiz team). But I do spend a large part of the week working on my own. And to be honest it can get a bit lonely.
Two years ago a friend at the school gates said he was thinking of setting up a forum for businesses in the Tynemouth area. He said it would be “a chance to meet new people” and there might be opportunities to organise “some small events in the town”. Would I be interested? It was that ‘yes’ that saw me up at the crack of dawn six months later, helping with the First Annual VW rally.
And since then? Well, if you attended the Tynemouth Food Festival back in May – that was organised by the Business Forum. If you came to the Christmas Fayre on the green last December, again that was the Business Forum. These events were in fact by no means small – but they grew out of the enthusiasm and ambition of the members for what could be achieved.
And the great thing is, we’re not alone.
A few miles up the coast the members of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade work hard to put on fantastic events like their Annual Sandcastle Competition and the Christmas Fayre at the Dome. Each of these events brings thousands of visitors to the coast.
Joining an organisation like a local chamber of trade or business forum is like having a support network. The North East is an enterprising place and there’s a wealth of local talent and enthusiasm to be discovered on your doorstep. And some lovely people.
On a larger scale the North Tyneside Business Forum works to hold events like its Meet the Buyer sessions.
At these sessions local companies are given the chance to hear about upcoming work contracts and add themselves onto the supply chain lists of some of the biggest private and public sector organisations in the region. The Forum is free to join and gives access to news, advice and support from other members in the area.
If you feel the need for a bit more support, either with your business or within your community why not look into joining one of these local organisations?
- North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce
- Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade
- Wallsend Chamber of Trade
- Tynemouth Business Forum
- Cobalt & Silverlink Business Association
- North Tyneside Business Forum
by Katherine Wildman © 2013
Katherine Wildman is the Creative Director of Haydn Grey Ltd, a copywriting agency based in Cullercoats.
Discover how Haydn Grey can help you find the right words to promote your business at www.haydngrey.co.uk or call the office on 0191 289 3170.