ONLINE NETWORKING launched as a lifeline for small business owners

A networking group dedicated to keeping businesses connected through the coronavirus crisis has revealed its now offering free-of-charge online networking for 90 days.

The move, by Cornwall-based company Your Partnerships, comes at a time when businesses are concerned about how to connect to their customers and the wider community, as they battle fears for the future of their businesses.

Now, it’s hoped this new offer will give the self-employed, freelancers, and small companies a way to continue building business relationships during this period of great difficulty.

David Brock, founder of Your Partnerships, said: “We work with over 2,000 small businesses, and life is undeniably hard at the moment. We believe that now, more than ever, companies need to come together and build strong relationships to help them succeed through these difficult times.

“Communities are already seeing the positive impact of coming together, building the strength of the whole locality. We encourage small businesses to do the same.

“With face-to-face meetings impossible and home-based working the new norm, we want to give people a means to foster old and new relationships. Online business networking allows us to do this. In just one week, we have already witnessed a number of new collaborations forged through online meet-ups. This trend is set to continue.”

Brock hopes that by opening the membership with this offer to new people, current members will also have the chance to make even more connections, with an even greater reach, than ever before.

And it will also mean people can connect throughout the country, rather than just their usual, local networking circles.

Mike Bee, who has been a Your Partnerships member for more than two years and is already attending the online events, says the move should generate new business that would otherwise have been lost during the pandemic.

Of his experience, he said: “Online networking is like a breath of fresh air. I have learnt a lot about things people are doing to support their staff and customers, and even grow their businesses.

“This is the lifeline that I and many other businesses need right now. I would encourage all businesses to get involved.”

During the online networking sessions, which will run several times a day each week, different virtual events will cover different themes, with some including guest speakers.

However, Brock says the team is also open to new ideas and welcoming feedback to ensure the team builds an experience that works for all.

For those who have never used video conferencing before, the Your Partnerships team will be on hand to advise and get new and current members up and running.

Any businesses that believe they would benefit from online networking should visit  https://www.yourpartnerships.co.uk/business-networking-events-uk/ or email [email protected]