Learning and Networking Business Event, Oxfordshire

With the uncertainty of the economy, the effects both during and after the pandemic and escalating energy costs, labour shortages, and ongoing supply chain issues rising costs, it’s certainly been a tough time for businesses.

Because of these issues, and because we really do appreciate the value of networking, we wanted to create a community to help Oxfordshire’s businesses feel supported. The idea for the Better Together event came from our co-founder, Paul Coombes, who recounted stories told by his grandmother about how her community pulled together during WW2 to support each other through the toughest of times. Continuing this determined spirit, Better Together was formed to help local businesses connect with each other, learn something new, network and expand their professional circle.

On Friday 14th April at The Corn Exchange in Witney, the learning and networking event saw a meeting room become a buzz of optimism. Amongst reviving cups of tea and coffee, and a delectable fresh pastry (or two!), were local businesses sharing how they began, how successful they’ve become; and asking each other questions and exchanging names and numbers. It reinforced the power of networking, and how associating with people who may usually be outside of our general circle, can be hugely beneficial in a range of ways.

After half an hour or so of general networking, our local MP, Robert Courts, introduced the event and reinforced his support of such a collation of expertise and backgrounds.

Our Guest Speakers

We couldn’t have done it without our local guest speakers, who provided some fascinating talks based on their profession. It was such a joy to see so many people asking questions and opening discussions, which again fortified the fact that we had all come together to share knowledge in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Paul Coombes

Our co-founder Paul, gave valuable information on easy ways to get a website visible to more potential clients. He shared the best guidance and tips on what you can do to make your website achieve better search engine rankings, how to keep your website healthy, and the importance of content.

Paul’s presentation was engaging and informative, especially for people in the room whose knowledge of digital marketing was limited. It helped them identify quick wins and actions they could take without the need for a digital marketing agency.

Dr Anna Smith

Anna runs GP Acupuncture in Witney and is an experienced NHS GP of 28 years. As a trained lifestyle health coach, Anna helped us understand the small (and totally doable) changes we can make to our lifestyle, without seeing a doctor.

This ranged from easy changes you can make to your diet, to simple steps for getting your heart rate up - even when you’re stuck at your desk. It was a fascinating presentation that had everyone in the room re-evaluating their choices and coming up with new ways they could improve their lifestyle.

All with a little help from a multitude of gifs (with a little debate on whether that was pronounced with a hard g or not?!)

Jennifer Manson

Founder of The Flow Writer and as a serial entrepeneur, Jennifer put on a very interactive talk - physically demonstrating how the power of word-of-mouth marketing works.

She gave us the fundamental guidance of how to find enthusiastic ambassadors, harnessing your own background information, and making valuable introductions for other people too.

Luke Wiseman

Luke is a Director and experienced chartered accountant at Witney-based, Whitley Stimpson.

He broke down accounting information into easy to follow slides and simplified the definition of financial statements, provided examples of profit and loss, and quality management information.

This was an insightful talk on how accounting works for us non-accountants!

See what our attendees have said about the event

"I very much enjoyed the event and thank you again for inviting me. I really see the value in meeting people face to face, especially after the pandemic, where video meetings have become the norm.”

“Really enjoyed it and particularly liked the fact there was ample opportunity for questions.”

"I thought the event was excellent and it was a good opportunity to meet some local business people.”

Once again, a huge thank you to all who came to our first Better Together learning and networking event. The feedback from the event was so overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of the attendees who completed our survey saying that they were either satisfied or really satisfied with the overall benefit of the event. So much so that we have decided to host another event in October this year - watch this space!