HCA Business – Annual Networking Event 2013

The College’s Annual Networking Event took place on Wednesday 13th November 2013 and proved a popular event with local businesses as well as the College’s current students and alumni. Those attending mingled in the College’s Arts Space, enjoying a drink, making new and catching up with, old acquaintances.

(Pictured: L-R, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones, Andy Compton, Lisa-Marie Halliday & Liz Hill)

Having had time to network, everyone took their seats in the College’s theatre to be welcome by the Principal, Richard Heatly and listen to the evenings speakers. Steve Wright, Director at Syndicut, gave an informative and useful presentation on the evening’s main topic ‘How Mobile Devices Are Changing Website Design’. A former student of HCA, Steve’s design agency now boasts clients such as Sky TV, Channel 4, Honda, Yell, to name but a few. Steve places user experience at the heart of his work and it was apparent to all when he said he considered the opportunity to recently design the College’s new website as a chance to give something back.

Steve was followed by, Peter McLuskie from Creative Enterprise (Coventry), who was keen to engage those starting out in business in some free workshops being held at the College on the 21st & 22nd November. Designed to offer support and advice, the workshops are particularly geared towards those thinking about setting up an arts, design, media or performance business and tackle everything from registering your business to marketing.

(Pictured: L-R, Speakers Peter McLuskie & Steve Wright)

The evenings final presentation was by James Price, a member of one of the College’s Young Enterprise Teams. James is part of the Performing Arts Team, who are offering a performance based service to businesses aiming to provide entertainment to brighten up a conference, or bring a little something different to the Christmas office party! James also invited the audience to attend a performance that they were presenting in College during December, entitled the Terrible Infants and made sure everyone left with a flyer!

The event was brought to a close by the College’s Business Development Manager, Wendy Tolley, who invited everyone to participate in the College’s annual employer survey in January, as their views were important and assisted with ongoing curriculum development. Wendy also highlighted Business Services at the College and how it looked to provide opportunities for students but also support employers and organisations, in the area, with training and development.