Merseyside business networking event hailed a success

MORE than 90 delegates, including the mayor of Liverpool, turned out to a business networking event to meet and hear from some of the borough's top business brains, and network with other likeminded budding entrepreneurs from across Liverpool. The event, which was hosted by Blue Orchid, one of the UK's leading provider of free business support, took place on Wednesday, 4 December 2013, at Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool. Lord Mayor and successful businessman Gary Millar, was the special guest on the night. Guest speakers included Alex Mathieson from Barclays Bank who spoke about how to finance a business and Simon Connell from Coffee Doodle who discussed how to create a brand. Blue Orchid business advisors were also on hand to speak about the business specialist's free services that help Liverpool residents start up a new business, as well as support existing businesses ready to take the next step in their growth. As well as being able to network, entrepreneurs in attendance also had the opportunity to promote their business in a 30 second slot.

Commenting on the event, Karen McKean area manager at Blue Orchid said:- "We were really pleased with the success of this networking event. It was a great opportunity for a mixture of new and established Merseyside business owners and professionals to meet in a friendly environment and gain valuable business insights from each other."

Blue Orchid offers both pre and post start up support to Merseyside businesses. The post start support ranges from increasing growth to supporting recruitment of new staff. The next networking event will be held on 4 March 2013.  For more information about the services provided by Blue Orchid, please visit:- blueorchid.co.uk.

UBS Awards

FOR the 4th time Pure Potential has teamed up with leading financial services firm UBS to recognise and celebrate the achievements of 50 bright state school 6th form students.  The award distinguishes state educated students who have excelled in their academic studies. Their accomplishments were celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by UBS at their London office on Tuesday, 29 October 2013.  "UBS is proud to support this outstanding group of state school students. Campus Recruiting at UBS is committed to encouraging talented, hard-working students from all backgrounds across the UK. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours." said Shila Bhudia, EMEA Head of Graduate Recruiting.

Kate Haines and Ellen Boyle, both A-level students at Range High School, were chosen to receive the award from over 400 applicants due to their outstanding GCSE and AS-level results, as well as extra-curricular activities (including playing musical instruments to high levels and sporting achievements) and volunteer work.

As well as the award ceremony, students also had the opportunity to meet with UBS staff and find out more about their work and gain valuable networking skills.  Ellen told us:- "Having our hard work recognised was both rewarding and motivating. I enjoyed meeting the other students and in particular found the insight into financial careers useful, especially as this is an area I am interested in."

Kate added:- "The networking workshop was invaluable, and really helped improve my confidence in talking to people I didn't know. We'd both like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped organise the event, and to Dr Ainsworth at school for nominating us."

Nominations were made by teachers, parents and peers and Pure Potential was overwhelmed with the high calibre of the students. Binda Bhudia, Events & Marketing Director of Pure Potential had a difficult task selecting the final 50 students; "We are delighted to be working with UBS for the fourth time to celebrate the achievements of this country's state-educated students. Once again we were completely overwhelmed by the exceptionally high-standard of students, and are impressed by the hard work and dedication displayed by the award winners. We are certain they will go on to achieve great things."