Regional B2B Networking Hub
Local MP inspires SME's at Basepoint's Regional Networking Hub Basepoint Business Centres in Luton, Eastcote and High Wycombe hosted the area's first 'Regional Networking Hub' on Friday 25th January. Special guest speaker was local MP, Kelvin Hopkins, who gave an engaging speech about how the government can support SME's.
The free business networking event was held at the Basepoint Innovation and Business Centre in Luton, and was attended by 36 local businesses. Kelvin, who has been Labour MP for Luton North since 1997, spoke about the range of government initiatives designed to help spur on business growth, including a drive to ‘buy British’ and plans to increase the number of skilled people in engineering and technology in order to compete with other countries for research, development and the production of technological products and machines.
Also speaking at the event was Dr. Stuart E Smith, who previously worked as a flight and aviation theory instructor at Heathrow before launching his own business, CATS Aviation, which provides a unique online pilot training system to a worldwide audience. Stuart told the audience about his experience of setting up his (now global) business, and what he believed were the five key things you need in order to succeed; the first of which was a ‘good idea’.
Fiona McDermott, Centre Manager at Basepoint Innovation and Business Centre, comments: “We were very honoured to have our local MP, Kelvin Hopkins, in attendance to give important business advice to our audience on what the government’s doing to help business growth. At Basepoint, we also understand the importance of supporting local business communities, and know from the previous success of our individual Networking Hubs how beneficial these events can be to people who are trying to build up a support network of business contacts. We really couldn’t be happier with the turnout and feedback we’ve received about the event, and look forward to hosting more in the future!”