A Spalding networking group is hoping to attract new members to help drive forward plans to ensure the town prospers.
New blood at the helm of Spalding Business Club means a renewed drive to get as many people as possible who work in Spalding to share their skills and ideas to work together for the good of the town – not just for businesses but also the community.
Ken Maggs, from Moore Thompson accountants, and Paul Turnell, of Roythornes Solicitors, have taken on the job of running the club and are hoping to use their experiences gained during their careers to move the club forward.
The club is all about making contacts and is run informally with the intention of providing a forum for businesspeople to get to know each other.
Mr Maggs said: “You recommend people, more than you recommend a business.
“It is not made into a competitive environment all fighting for work from the others and frequently I will be seen speaking to representatives of the other accountants around town. I have even done work for some of them.”
The club also has the ear of key players from other town organisations, such as South Holland District Council and Spalding and District Area Chamber of Trade and attracts a range of interesting speakers to inform and entertain.
At its next meeting to be held next Thursday, members will hear from Julia Fallowfield, from the Young Enterprise Scheme, which inspires the next generation of enterprising young people through programmes in schools and colleges.
Mr Turnell said: “I believe that we should give greater support to the Young Enterprise Scheme and encourage the younger generation to run their own businesses and attain enterprise skills such as practical thinking, determination, teamwork, punctuality and business-like behaviour.
“This in turn would provide the opportunity to create more jobs, imporve society and drive economic growth both locally and nationally.”
Spalding Business Club meetings are usually held from 7am on the first Thursday of each month at a variety of locations around the town.
Next Thursday’s will be at the Punchbowl, New Road, Spalding, where members will enjoy breakfast while getting down to business.
There is a small fee of £8 to cover the cost of breakfast, but there is no annual fee or joining fee and no penalties for those who are unable to attend.
Mr Turnell added: “In business we all need contacts and this is a great way to get to know people better who can add to your business and improve the way you perform.”
• Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner candidates got a grilling from Spalding Business Club at its last meeting.
Members were keen to point out that crime is still a key concern and remind the candidates that Spalding is a part of Lincolnshire and has its own issues which need addressing.
In attendance were four of the six candidates – Paul Gleeson, Richard Davies, David Bowles and Mervyn Barrett, who has since resigned from the race.