Partner Article

Rochdale business networking event hailed a success

More than 50 delegates turned out to a business networking event to meet and hear from some of the borough’s top business brains, and network with other likeminded budding entrepreneurs from across Rochdale.

The event, which was hosted by Blue Orchid, one of the UK’s leading business start-up support specialists, and the Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), took place at Unity House on Belfield Road.

Guest speakers included Prakash Patel from Access to Finance who talked about how to raise finance for business, Andy Turner, the Apprenticeships lead for Rochdale, who explained the grants that are available for employers looking to recruit apprentices and Imtiaz Ahmed, managing director of Eye Care Optical who discussed his experience of running an independent, community optician with shops in Rochdale and Oldham.

Attendees also heard from Wajid Mohammed, head of employment law/HR for Adamsons Law, who discussed the legal services available to businesses and Blue Orchid business advisor, Jan Melia, who spoke about the business specialist’s free services that help Rochdale residents start up a new business, as well as support young businesses ready to take the next step in their growth.

Commenting on the event, Zulf Ahmed, KYP’s chief executive, said: “We were really pleased with the amount of interest shown in the networking event. The business delegates were impressed with the wide ranging information provided by the speakers. We look forward to future events in partnership with Blue Orchid.”

Blue Orchid’s area manager for Rochdale, Jacqui Lewin, added: “I am delighted to be working in conjunction with KYP to cascade enterprise across the borough. After a very well attended first event, with some really informative speakers, Blue Orchid will be holding a series of future events in partnership with KYP. These will be detailed on Blue Orchid’s website.”

For more information about the services provided by Blue Orchid, please visit http://www.blueorchid.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Blue Orchid .