The Best of Newbury Question Time to tackle the tough issues
The Best of Newbury is bringing together a panel of business heavyweights as it hosts West Berkshire's very own Question Time at Newbury College on 21st September.
No doubt tackling the odd national issue, but firmly focused on the challenges facing businesses in West Berkshire today, the panel includes Richard Benyon, Conservative MP for Newbury, Ian Vickerage, President of the West Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Hilary Omissi OBE, Director of the Berkshire SRG Post 16 Commissioning Team responsibility for education and training for 16-19 year olds and for 16-25 year olds with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities and David Knowles-Leak, Regional Chair of the Thames Valley Federation of Small Businesses.
Both audience and the panel will be kept in check by Newbury’s answer to David Dimbleby, leading UK sales negotiator Steve Jones, of Focal Point Coaching.
The event will also reach out to a wider audience with Nigel Morgan, from Berkshire public relations and social media consultancy Morgan PR, tweeting the event live and posing questions from the Twittersphere to the panel. Follow the hashtag #NbyQT on Twitter to keep track of the debate.
Organiser Dawn Ray from The Best of Newbury explained: “Today, it is commonly quoted that the future of our economy rests with SME's. Well here is an ideal opportunity to enter the debate and share your views about the future of our local economy.
“This is West Berkshire’s very own "Question Time" in association with the Thames Valley FSB and West Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.
“We have brought together a high profile and knowledgeable panel who are directly involved with local business issues from both a commercial and government perspective.”
Richard Benyon also feels it is an important event in the business calendar and commented: “The success of SME's will drive growth in this key part of the Thames Valley. This event is an opportunity to show what SME's can offer and what Government is doing to support them. I am looking forward to this event and to the interesting discussion we will have.”
There is also the opportunity for local companies to exhibit their business throughout the event from 4.00pm to 8.30pm and there is open networking between 4.00 - 5.45 pm and again from 7.30 - 8.30pm – the latter with a complimentary post event drink.
Always keen to add value, The Best of Newbury has also asked Dean Weller of Dean Weller Associates to deliver an informative 30 minute workshop before the Question Time session, entitled: “Building your profile on Linked-In to invite job opportunities or promote your business”. It will focus on using this vital social media tool for career development
Entrance to the Question Time Forum is by advance ticket only as spaces are limited. Tickets are priced at £15 (pus VAT).
To reserve your place and for more information about exhibiting, please visit the event website.