The Vincent Hotel in Southport opened for guests just seven days ago (Thurs 29th May) and Sefton Chamber of Commerce was the first local business meeting at this new hotel.

The event was a sell-out and sadly there were over 35 businesses who were not able to attend due to the early bookings and restricted numbers.

75 People enjoyed what was described as an “excellent lunch and service” from the catering team and front of house staff.  Bernhard Stacher, the General Manager was introduced by the Chamber’s CEO Steve Dickson at the beginning of the meeting who officially welcomed all of the guests to the Vincent.  Marketing Manager, Martin Evans also spoke of the tremendous interest and bookings that have already been made well in advance of the hotels opening.

Steve Dickson introduced Steve Christian (Marketing Manager for Sefton Tourism) for a brief 2 minute overview of the Southport Strategy for continued investment in the town’s business tourism and leisure offer, and Mr Christian confirmed the importance of the Urban Splash development plans which are currently being worked up for the £45 Million investment of the former Pleasureland and Princes Gardens site.

The new feature to the Networking Meetings “The Focal Point” this month featured Paul Humphray from Merseyside Special Investment Fund who was interviewed about many of the successes that the organisation had regarding the expansion and development of young businesses across the region.

There were a total of 7 new members attending the meeting, and 9 guests of existing members and a numbers have already signed up to join Sefton Chamber.

The main sponsor for the meeting was Southport Flower Show and the main presentation was given by David Jackson CEO (pictured below) who shared many of the exciting new initiatives for this years event.  21-24 August.  He invited as many people to support the show by simply buying a ticket and seeing the many changes that have taken place over the past few years and enjoying a memorable day out.  He also shared a number of specifically tailored local sponsorship packages and corporate facilities.

This meetings significant song, to finish the meeting had to be Don Macleans “Vincent” which was number 1 in 1971 and was written as a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh’s work, however it was established at todays meeting that the name of the hotel came from owner Paul “Vincent” Adams.

A number of guests also booked for the new Business After Hours event on 17th June, which is an informal social networking event, which is also at the Vincent.. Please see separate article.

Next Meeting:  Thursday 3rd July 2008 at the Bootle Cricket Club, sponsored by Lanson Technology Services.

Sponsored By: Smart Storage
www.smart-storage.co.uk

Around 70 Members and guests gathered at the Park Hotel Netherton for the April Networking Meeting.  Following an extended networking session, Kevin Griffiths from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gave a brief overview of the tender alert service covering the Merseyside area.  

Supply Mersey is a tender alert service operated by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. The aim is to simplify the way that small businesses access information on tendering - from finding actual opportunities to being in a position to tender by having the right skills and company policies in place.  Small businesses throughout the UK often have difficulty accessing tendering opportunities, particularly from the public sector.

All Sefton Chamber members will be able to register for the system within one month, exclusive logon details are being generated and will be distributed to you soon.

Following lunch Andy Mantova of Smart Storage gave a presentation on the services offered by his company at their various locations across Merseyside.

Smart Storage are one of the North West’s premier self-storage companies, they provide clean, dry & secure self storage rooms with free & flexible access. They have rooms of various sizes, from a ‘broom cupboard’ to 1,000 square feet. When you need to de-clutter & make space, protect your documents & possessions, store your surplus stock, or house your furniture, you need Smart Storage. Visit the website for full details of the services offered.

The meeting was rounded off promptly at 2PM with our Significant Song - a track of music chosen to close the meeting.  These have been played at the conclusion of each meeting in 2008.  The Song was “Do it Again” by Steely Dan.  The significance being if you have good processes in your business… effective sales or marketing promotions that have proven to work in the past then do more of what you are good at! …. and DO IT AGAIN