Burton businesses still making a connection via virtual networking

Although conventional networking has gone out the window in the last year, business support organisations, including Burton Chamber, have been utilising a myriad of virtual platforms to network and thrive during the pandemic.

Among those making good use of Zoom have been small businesses in Burton, including those affiliated to Burton Small Business.

Cheryl Morris (pictured) runs Creative Word PR, an award-winning PR and copywriting service, and is one of three independent companies that run Burton Small Business.

She said: “When the national lockdown hit in March last year, I don 't think anybody could have predicted nearly a year on businesses would still be facing a virtual existence.

“With the many changes and challenges it has brought for all sectors many businesses have found making connections vital in keeping their business brand and pipeline open during the pandemic. ”

Elaine Pritchard is from the Federation of Small Businesses, which used to hold its networking meetings at the Dovecliff Hall Hotel, in Rolleston-on-Dove.

Now it is over to Zoom, and Elaine said: “Since we moved online we have seen business owners and self-employed people join in who would have struggled to make the time to travel to meet us in person.

“Our meetings, on the third Wednesday of each month at 9.30am, are open to all - whether they are FSB members or not. The wide geographic area from which we now attract people opens up opportunities for valuable new connections for Burton businesses. ”

Local ladies-only business group LoveBiz Networking, which was first set up in Burton-by-Ashby Marketing expert Sue Crooks in 2012, has gone from strength-to-strength during the pandemic, with five new groups launching in the UK during the lockdown.

Sue said: “During the pandemic, the UK lockdown put a stop to our meetings, so we knew we had to adapt -and quickly.

“Our members needed each other more than ever, as their businesses and lives were suddenly turned upside down.

“Instead of our usual face-to-face meetings, everything moved online. Far from our community falling apart, our friendly virtual networking meetings have brought many of our members closer together. ”

The Chamber has played its part as well, and Chris Plant, director of Burton Chamber, said: “When lockdown hit our Chamber was swift to move all business events, including networking events to virtual platforms.

“Networking is critical to businesses at this time. From our research we know that the pandemic has made businesses evaluate their current operation and many are looking to diversify into new areas, expand into different markets or look for new supply chains.

“With our host of vital business support services, partnership working with local stakeholders and ability to connect our members, we are enabling our local businesses to survive and recover. ”