In common with many other activities in our village, the popular, face-to-face ‘Ruddington Business Partnership’ meetings were put on hold early in 2020 when the Coronavirus pandemic struck.
With all the UK’s hospitality venues closed for a time by COVID-19, then restrictions in place after that, the monthly networking sessions at The Next Episode on Dutton’s Hill were substituted by fortnightly online meetings via Zoom – incorporating Rushcliffe Business Partnership networkers from across the Borough.
Post ‘lockdown’, just as sessions in our village were getting back into their swing last year, the Omicron variant caused another ‘wobble’ – with December 2021’s meeting cancelled. However, all was back on track this month, with the last Ruddington networking session on January 21st taking place as planned, and a good turnout reported.
Whilst Rushcliffe Business Partnership is already an established hub for a thriving local business scene, with more than 500 individuals and organisations meeting here in Ruddington and at other venues around the Borough, it is is now seeking new members to sit on its ‘Steering Group’ to help it grow further. This group comprises local business owners and representatives from Rushcliffe Borough Council who are responsible for helping to shape and deliver the work of the Partnership.
Launched in 1999, this ‘not for profit’ organisation part funded by the authority, aims to:
- Provide networks and relationships for business support, growth and opportunities
- Champion Rushcliffe as a place to do business
- Increase trade for Rushcliffe from inside and outside the borough
- Provide a coherent voice for business in Rushcliffe
By extending the Steering Group membership post COVID-19, particularly in relation to the impact of and the many lessons learnt during the pandemic, it is hoped the Partnership might better reflect the needs of businesses across the Borough. Fingers crossed this might also include a larger representation from the hundreds of sole traders and companies based here in Ruddington.
John Collins, Chair of Rushcliffe Business Partnership says: “This is a really exciting time for the Partnership and we want to involve new businesses in our steering group to help develop and grow the partnership. We want to engage and support as many businesses as we can across Rushcliffe but we can only do this with the committed involvement of more of our members.”
He continues: “Many of our members speak very positively about the huge impact being part of the partnership has had on them for many different reasons including growing their business, providing advice and supporting them through the challenges we all faced due to COVID. It’s really great to feel a part of such a supportive community and I am excited about the coming year and what we can achieve together.”
Shamshad Walker, who runs the Ruddington sessions, and is already on the Steering Group, confirms: “We want to get new members in to give fresh ideas and also take on some of the responsibility of managing the tasks, so we can share the workload. You’d get involved with planning events for the year ahead, managing day to day tasks of running RBP, attending the networking events and inputting views of local businesses.”
Shamshad says face to face networking allows proper interaction and building relationships. “During online networking everyone has a chance to do a one minute pitch, so it was very sales focused. The meetings at The Next Episode allow people to get to know each other, find out about opportunities to work collaboratively and offer support. The last point is even more important now because so many sole traders are working alone at home and don’t have opportunities to have interaction with others in the business community.”
She adds: “The venues have their own COVID safety rules in place. We are happy for people to wear masks and we encourage delegates to maintain social distance. We are also encouraging delegates to book on, so we can control numbers.”
Cllr Andy Edyvean, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Development and Growth, who also sits on the Steering Group, agrees: “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure we are providing support to our businesses and the Partnership plays a critical role in that. It has been a challenging time for most businesses but we are hopeful about the future and are keen for the Partnership to develop to continue to meet the needs of our businesses. We hope to welcome some new faces who want to positively contribute to continuing to support Rushcliffe to be a great place to do business.”
If you are interested, and would like to find out more, you’re asked to email the Economic Growth Team on econdev@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
If you’re just interested in going along to give it a try, then the next Ruddington networking meeting is on Friday 18th February 2022 from 8.15am to 9.15am. As before, it’s at The Next Episode on Wilford Road, every 3rd Friday of the month, except in August. Whilst it’s FREE you are asked to buy a drink, to support the venue, if you attend.
