Some 50 local business leaders and decision-makers attended Horsham District Council’s second Business Leaders Forum event, at Leonardslee Wine Estate in Mannings Heath on Tuesday 20 October.
The networking forums have been developed as a result of feedback from the Council’s regular visits to prominent local businesses, providing a dynamic networking platform to inform, connect and empower local senior business leaders.
The event, organised by the Council in association with Gatwick Diamond Business, included inspiring insights from keynote speaker Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s Chocolate. Alongside this there were thought-provoking discussions during the event’s panel sessions, facilitated by MC Tim Fifield, which featured expert speakers from London Gatwick Airport, Pentagon Plastics, Architectural Plants, Tottington Manor Hotel, Chef’s Farm and Eshcon Ltd.
Key focusses for the day included building resilient supply chains, sustainability as a growth strategy, and building strong relationships and brands, with ample opportunity for networking amongst attendees to facilitate local collaboration.
The event attracted some 50 business leaders and decision-makers from a range of different sectors across Horsham District, including Schroders, Red River Software, Kreston Reeves, Wilton Park and more.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery Cllr Colette Blackburn commented: “This was a very inspiring event borne out of the Council’s aim to provide the best possible support to the dynamic business community we are lucky enough to have in Horsham District.
It provided local businesses with the opportunity to collaborate regarding the future economic direction of the District, and to participate in addressing real world issues.
“Additionally, it brought the chance to look carefully at current and projected key challenges so that our Enterprising Horsham team can provide well targeted support in the future.
“I look forward to future networking events and keeping up with progress.”
This forum was organised by Horsham District Council’s Enterprising Horsham team in association with Gatwick Diamond Business, with a view to deliver regular events in the future at different locations across Horsham District.