Fit for Business - Meet the buyer event

In collaboration with the Newham Chamber of Commerce, Newham College’s Fit for Business team hosted their inaugural networking evening last night at West Ham United Football Ground. Over 50 local businesses attended the event where they made new contacts and heard about the opportunities available to businesses through the regeneration of East London.

The networking event was held as part of a programme of masterclasses, events and expert advice sessions, all run by the Fit for Business project. Part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund, Fit for Business can show local businesses how to grow by winning new contracts and widening their supply chains.

Speakers on the night included Nick Turberville - Business Development Manager from the CompeteFor Buyer Engagement Team, Julia Coate - Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation and Partnerships at Newham College and Janice Beckles – marketing expert and Business Adviser from the college’s award-winning Women’s Business Centre.

Nick Turberville gave a presentation on Crossrail, explaining the procurement process and how businesses can benefit. For a copy of Nick’s presentation, please contact us.

Julia Coate discussed the many opportunities for businesses to access to expert advice and support to grow, made available through government funded projects and Fit for Business in particular!

Finally, Janice Beckles’ lively and humorous talk motivated the crowd to network through the night, exchanging business cards and advice.

Exhibitors included Newham Chamber of Commerce, London Borough of Newham Council, and local businesses First Fruit and Design Solutions.

Businesses that attended included London City Airport, Clydesdale Bank, Barking & Dagenham Enterprise and many others. The feedback from attendees was excellent, with all of them very keen to attend the next one!

Julia Coate said: “It was great to see so many businesses here this evening, Newham College’s Fit for Business project and Newham Chamber of Commerce are both committed to helping businesses grow and win new business. I hope everyone made new contacts tonight to do business with.”

Another networking event will be held on 15th July at a different venue with more speakers and exhibitors. Keep up to date with new opportunities available and take advantage of expert business advice by joining us at our next event.

For an event calendar or for more information on Fit for Business please contact us on 020 8522 5700 quoting Fit for Business or email fitforbusiness@newham.ac.uk  visit us at: http://www.cipsonline.com/

  The Fit for Business project is part-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund

  • Newham College of Further Education
  • London Borough of Newham
  • European Union, European Regional Development Fund
  • London Development Agency
  • European Union, European Social Fund
  • Department for Work and Pensions
  • Skills Funding Agency
  • European Investment Fund