HCA Annual Networking Event 2015

(Pictured: L-R, Colita Dainton, Wendy Tolley & Sharon Pocock)

The College values it’s links with local businesses and organisations and each year looks to strengthen this  relationship by holding an annual autumn networking event.

Designed to provide an opportunity for networking, catching up, discussing potential projects and opportunites, the event, now in its eighth successive year, proves popular and is often the moment where a new idea for a student project or work placement is born.

As part of the evening speakers are invited and a topic, that is both relevant and informative is explored. This year looked at how to ‘Build your Business Through Communication and Creativity’ with speakers, Colita Dainton from Business Checkmate and Sharon Pocock from Kinder Pocock.

Guests were welcomed by the College’s Business Services Team, supported by two student ambassadors, who are invited to work and encouraged to attend many of the College’s events to gain experience, develop their own future employability skills and of course, share their own stories about life as a student at HCA.

(Pictured: Student Ambassadors #Neverboredintheford, Louisa & Chloe)

Introductions and networking complete, guests were welcomed by Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement, Nick Day, who has recently joined the College. Nick is a keen advocate and supporter of working in partnership with businesses, to support and inform courses and ensure continued development to meet the needs of industry.

HCA Business Development Manager Wendy Tolley, then took over acting as MC for the night and introducing the first speaker. Colita from Business Checkmate quickly engaged audience participation for her talk on DISC profiling, highlighting the value of knowing the personality of the person you are working with and how this can benefit you in business. Sharon Pocock followed with a brief introduction into the world of Xero and accounting in the Cloud, dispelling the myth that book keeping is boring!

Rounding up the evening, Wendy invited the College’s Performing Arts Young Enterprise Team to take to the floor. Three students from their newly formed Singers in Waiting Company, used their performance skills to inform the audience about the service they offered – singing waiters of course! Perfect for events and parties, the team did a sterling job, finishing off with details on how to contact them.

(Pictured: L-R, Erin, Milo & Maisie from the Singers in Waiting Company)

The formalities over and business cards swapped, the event closed. Our thanks to everyone who attended but if you couldn’t make it and have an idea you would like to share with the College, please contact Business Services, we’d love to hear from you!