![](https://www.southandvale.gov.uk/app/uploads/sites/2/2021/11/Networking-in...-Logo.png)
Businesses based in Southern Oxfordshire given support to widen their network
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are supporting local businesses by offering a discount to join a new online networking group.
Networking in…, which is already well-established in Berkshire, has been working with the district councils’ South and Vale Business Support team to launch online sessions to help organisations recover from the effects of the pandemic. The new partnership is offering half price tickets to the first 40 local businesses to sign up for the new group.
The first-ever event is taking place at 10.30am-12.30pm on 10 November and will feature Mike Lawton, a local entrepreneur, talking about real life examples of how businesses can generate publicity without having any budget. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to have a more general chat to offer support and advice to one another.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Our local businesses have suffered throughout the pandemic, and have been cut off from normal networking opportunities, while some still remain cautious, this is the ideal time to launch Covid-safe online events. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to provide a discount with Networking in… because it gives our local businesses an opportunity to help them become more resilient and, ultimately, more successful.”
Cllr Robin Bennett, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We feel that this partnership will build on the long-term work we’ve been doing to support small independent businesses in South Oxfordshire to thrive, and in particular could help to reduce the isolation they may have felt during Covid-19. If you’re a local business owner, we’re inviting you to take up the offer and attend a meeting that has a genuinely friendly and welcoming feel.”
Peter Mols, Founder of Networking in…, said: “The main aim for our event is to be fast flowing and fun – people often comment on how great the energy is, even on a virtual platform. We’re delighted to be linking up with the district councils to help local businesses to build on existing networks and make new connections and urge people to join us to meet other entrepreneurs and help grow their business.”
To book your place, head to outside-ideas.com/networking-in and use the code ‘SVBS’ to redeem 50 per cent off the cost of your ticket.