Partner Article

Even in a recession, things can work: Paul Lawton of IPN Connect speaks to bdaily

There are many business-networking groups in the North East, but Paul Lawton believes that his company, IPN Connect provides a real alternative.

“The sole focus of the business is collaboration,” Paul explains “We want to bring people together to work together and build up business in the region.”

The name ‘IPN Connect’ derives from the four ways people can use the business.

“We use the Internet to find new opportunities, then our project lean seeks work for members,” says Paul. “Then we offer a variety of face to face networking opportunities to build working opportunities – all with the aim of helping them connect.”

Paul has worked in business for many years, but eventually decided to start up IPN in May 2010, with the aim of filling what he saw as a gap in the market.

“I’ve been to many traditional networking events, and more often than not I came away with the feeling of wanting more,” Paul says. “Equally, I could see how difficult thing are for small businesses in a recession, so when members register with us we find out what work they want, source it and facilitate it.”

IPN Connect is not limited to working with small businesses however, and Paul endeavours to work with medium and large enterprises in the public and private sectors, as well as the third sector.

“We have no preferred type of business here, and indeed, the wide diversity of businesses does provide our members with some great opportunities.”

While Paul is confident of his own business model, it’s still a relatively new idea. He is now working up to the 500th IPN Connect event on the 6th October with 60 exhibitors whilst three guest speakers are running mini master-classes. The event is free for guests to attend and is taking place at The Federation Brewery, The Lancastrian Suite, Gateshead.

“The main problem is differentiating ourselves from the competition, and we’re having to work hard to prove that,” he say. “However, through the work we are doing with our members, we’re beginning to show that even in a recession, things can work.”

“Ultimately we know that most people want to go somewhere where their money and time is well spent, and we truly believe we can provide them with that.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .