Friday, 15 April 2011

Local networking: Fish Friday

I went to a new local business networking event called Fish Friday this evening. It was held at the premises of The Grand by the Brighton seafront, and was organised by My Girl Friday and Alice Reeves. When we arrived, we were directed to a rather gorgeous, sunny room with a beautifully decorated long table.


After a bit of informal socialising, we were asked to sit at the table next to people we didn't know from before - in order to make new contacts, of course.


Despite the high-brow setting, the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.


Those who wanted to introduce themselves and their businesses to the others in front of everyone, got a chance to do so. Here's one of the organisers, Zoë, reading a business card to announce the first one.






Just a reminder of the fab location - right by the West Pier.


The lovely Ebonie of My Girl Friday.


Alice Reeves with Zoë.



Thanks to the organisers....


Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that we all had fish and chips for dinner while networking? Haha. That's why it's called Fish Friday!

After dinner, those who wanted to carry on networking, moved... via the main entrance...


...past the reception area...


...into the beautiful lounge/bar area!


As a side note, there were no less than five (5!) Alices present. Of course I had to take photo of them posing together. Wonderland must have been very quiet tonight!


The lounge/bar was a large room which was not too noisy, so the venue was perfect for having a relaxed and friendly chat with all the people who stayed on.


The bar...



All in all, it was a great evening. I think networking events like this are a really good way to meet local people and businesses, make friends and refer work to each other, and sometimes find people to collaborate with. Fish Friday is one of the most relaxed (yet slightly structured so that you actually get to meet and talk with many people) networking event I have been to so far. I met some great people and will definitely go again as soon as I get a chance.

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