New networking event comes to Haverhill

A recession-busting new approach to business networking that was launched by an entrepreneurial couple in Bury St. Edmunds a year ago has been such a success that its organisers are now launching it across the region, including Haverhill, and as far afield as London.

Office Drinks is the brainchild of Baz and Lynette Green, who also run their own company, Virtual Head Office, in the Bury area. Twenty five local business owners attend the monthly events in a bar, and spend fifteen minutes chatting and networking in groups of five, before moving tables to join another group. The evening is organised so that everyone in the room meets without talking to the same person twice.

The idea behind Office Drinks was for local businesses to get to know each better and to work together as a result. The success of Office Drinks in Bury has led to Baz and Lynette making the business model available in many other areas, from London to Ipswich, Thetford, Diss and, from October, Haverhill.

Local business woman and Haverhill Chamber of Commerce member, Elaine Carr, who runs marketing consultancy FlipFlop Marketing Ltd and thebestofhaverhill marketing agency, will be hosting Office Drinks at the Days Inn Haverhill.

Elaine explains, “I have attended several Office Drinks events in the past and have always been impressed with the format and success of the networking.  When the opportunity arose to take on Office Drinks in Haverhill I was keen to get involved.  We have a number of networking events already in the town, including the monthly bestofhaverhill meetings, but Office Drinks fills a gap in the market. A regular after work event that takes place in a relaxed environment without a speaker but with some structure to the networking is a format that I think will work well in Haverhill.

I know from organising thebestof events that it is often very difficult for business owners to get away during the day. An evening event gives them the opportunity to network and make new contacts at a time when it is more convenient for them.

The Days Inn is a great venue for Office Drinks - there is plenty of free parking, the lounge has recently been refurbished, it has a very well stocked bar and the team are just brilliant at looking after people.  We have already taken bookings for the first event; I’m really looking forward to it.”
 
The first Office Drinks in Haverhill will be taking place on 4th October, from 6.30pm until 9.00pm, at the Days Inn Haverhill Kingfisher Lounge and Bar.  Tickets cost £9.00 and are available to purchase online at www.officedrinks.co.uk.  Places are limited to 25 and it is advisable to book early.

If you would like to find out more about Office Drinks please visit www.officedrinks.co.uk, call  Elaine Carr on 01440 710 158 or email elaine@flipflopmarketing.co.uk.