This is a new networking event with a difference – there is no charge, no membership, no subscription and absolutely no other obligations.
It has been organised by two local business ladies, Liz Clayton and Mandy Cardwell, along with Andy Dobson.
The event came about after the three were chatting about business in general and realised that between them, they know a lot of business people in the area. None of them had the intention of wanting to try and compete with any of the other networking groups, in fact the common denominator is that they all met each other at the very popular Shout Network meetings and are still actively involved with Shout.
However, they thought that arranging a very informal meeting on the first friday of each month in a local hostelry would prove to be popular, especially as people could unwind at the end of the week and chat to other like minded people. They see it as a way for people in the area to expand their contacts and possibly get the chance to introduce themselves to people they otherwise would not have the chance to talk to.
Andy himself makes it abundantly clear that they are not trying to compete with any other networking groups, hence there being no costs involved for anyone to attend. They only ask that people contact them to confirm attendance and this is purely to monitor numbers and make sure the room doesn’t become too crowded.
The meeting has no set format and no signing up. It’s just a case of turn up, have a drink and maybe talk a bit of business. On the evening, there are expected to be a whole host of different people attending, with numerous members from Shout, Business Lancashire, North and Western Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Directors.
Andy and Liz have arranged with Simon from The Old Town Hall pub in Poulton centre to use the upstairs area and the event will start at 5.30pm and carry on through to 7.30pm, although it is expected that many will take the opportunity to make a night of it and stay out to enjoy the evening.
In summary, they are hoping it will be seen as a social hub, where people can meet, chat, swap ideas or advice and find out about the ways other business folk
use to better their businesses.
The reason that the first Friday of each month was chosen is because that is generally the only week each month when Andy is back over from his escapades on his yacht around Greece!!!!
So who are the ‘Three Amigos’ ?
Liz Clayton – Born and bred Poulton, who specialises in card payment services for business and has many contacts in the business world.
Mandy Cardwell – Also born and bred Poulton and has many strings to her bow. In particular, the Business Suite in Poulton that offers many services – telephone answering, bookkeeping, to name but a few.
Andy Dobson – Owner of Atlas Sailing but he also has a long established builders merchants, Milford Supplies Ltd and a property rental business. He acts as a business mentor for Leyland based Orvia.
