Networking with NABO

On Tuesday 8 November 2011 NABO Cumbria held its first networking meeting in the 'Andalusian Bar' in Carlisle. Julie Osborn and myself went along to see what tips business owners and professionals could pick up to grow their businesses through better marketing.

NABO, which stands for the Nationwide Alliance of Business Owners, is the UK's fastest growing business network and after a fantastic response to events held in Cockermouth the networking organisation is now branching out and holding events in Carlisle.

The Carlisle launch event was very well attended - 45 local business owners and professional people spent the night sharing their own experiences and learning from the experiences of others. The event was hosted by Tanya Moxon (of Fearless Feat) and Nick Lawler (NABO Group Director). They talked us through the benefits that can be obtained from the organisation and because the format and atmosphere was relaxed it meant that it was really easy to meet people who are just like us, i.e. wanting to grow our business.

After welcome drinks and a bit of mingling we all introduced ourselves and briefly talked about our businesses. Following a really tasty hot buffet we then broke into groups for further discussions and ended the event with more mingling.

Although the above may sound a bit daunting the event takes on a very relaxed approach, and the fact that everybody is there because they want to be means that they are run on a very friendly basis and any nerves we had quickly disappeared.

Future meetings are being held on a weekly basis and will alternate between Carlisle and Cockermouth. The Cockermouth events are held in the 'Saints Rooms' with the Carlisle events alternating between an evening event at the 'Andalusian Bar' and a breakfast meeting at David Allen Accountants, Dalston.

For more information about NABO have a look at their website - www.nabocumbria.co.uk, or alternatively give us a ring as we had a fun night and will definitely be attending future events.

Lucy Metcalf