Business networking group celebrates successful first year
An independent networking group for professional and business services companies in Shropshire has recruited more than 300 members since it was set up in March 2012.
Set up, and run, with help from Shropshire Council, Shropshire Business Partnership (SBP) is already the largest networking group in the area dedicated to assisting professional and business services companies.
Run by its members for its members, the SBP meets four times a year and aims to bring together professional and business services firms in Shropshire to network, share knowledge and collaborate on projects.
Membership of SBP is free for eligible businesses who have a common interest in supplying professional business services. Members pay £20 for each event that they wish to attend.
The Chairman of SBP is Nick Chavasse, MD of NRG Direct Mail and also a Shropshire business ambassador and member of the Shropshire Business Board.
“I’m delighted that with the support of Shropshire Council we have been able to set up the SBP and see it thrive.
“The professional and business services sector represents everything from accountants to website designers, which together generate some 20% of the economic value in Shropshire.
“The benefit of joining SBP is the advantage of meeting and collaborating with other professionals in complementary businesses, to compete for larger projects.
“It is only by working together to encourage economic growth and create new opportunities for employment that we can take advantage of the economic up-turn when it arrives.”
“As well as the support from the council, we have gained widespread support from local MPs and business leaders, most recently John Timpson CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Timpson’s.”
Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:
“SBP is exactly the sort of private sector initiative we want to encourage to help support economic growth and to create new employment opportunities within the professional and business services sector. I’m delighted that is providing so popular with businesses in this important sector.”
Shropshire Business Partnership is supported by Shropshire Council and works in collaboration with the Marches LEP, Shropshire Business Board, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Telford Business Partnership and other professional and business services networks throughout the West Midlands.
The group was officially launched in May 2012 by the Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP.
