Business Breakfasts

The Exchange has been holding a series of business breakfasts throughout Norfolk during April 2008 to develop the ways in which schools and businesses can work together.

Operations Manager Jan Roberts co-ordinated the breakfasts

Here's her report on how they went:

After four early starts and far too much bacon I am pleased to say that those who attended said they had made some very good links.

How the breakfasts came about:

Recently, The Exchange had asked both schools and businesses to complete an employer engagement survey. All those who replied were then invited to attend our business breakfasts. 

The breakfasts were an opportunity to develop the initial discussion and establish a clearer picture of the needs of schools and the willingness of businesses to engage together.

The events were held at Park Farm Hethersett, The Bell Thetford, The Lenwade Country Park Hotel and Flegg High School’s new Business Centre. 

What delegates learned:

The discussion at each event was animated.

Delegates arrived at approximately 7.30am and were greeted by tea and coffee.

We heard from a variety of speakers including Robert Ashton, Chair of The Exchange Board of Directors, Tom O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer at The Exchange, Mark Curtis of Larking Gowen and Sharon O’Mahony from P & S Personnel.

Speakers gave an over-arching picture of the joint partnership roles that schools and businesses need to play if employer engagement is to be effective.

Business representatives gave an insight into what they and their staff can gain from working with schools.

Mark Curtis highlighted the fact that they often recruit from students they have worked with whilst at school. His company also sometimes picked up additional business through the parents of students working with them.

Sharon O'Mahony gave an enthusiastic insight into an experience she had had with a young student who had joined her company for work experience and had gone on to become the youngest employee to pass nationally-recognised qualifications for the recruitment industry – a fabulous accolade for both the young student and Sharon’s business.

Delegates were then able to enjoy breakfast while discussing what was currently happening in their area, what they would like to see happening and how The Exchange could support them in bridging any identified gaps. 

What next?

The Exchange has recorded all the feedback to refine its future planning.

The breakfasts were particularly well attended by staff from Norfolk County Council and we are now putting procedures in place for working more closely with the County and District Councils.

The programme will begin with an information event for staff and the inclusion of staff in our preparation for work events with schools.

  For more information about forthcoming developments or to register for our next series of Business Breakfasts this autumn

please contact

Jan Roberts

01953 601439

or email

janet.roberts@norfolk-exchange.org.uk