2020 - The Year of the 'Zoomie'
Essex Chambers of Commerce started 2020 with a strong program of networking events. The re-introduction of our Colchester Networking Breakfasts, a Macmillan coffee morning and a Networking event with The Rob George Foundation, the year was looking promising with many more events planned. The words Covid-19 and Corona Virus started to appear on the news but on we went, planning events for our Members and the Business community.
And then March came and with-it lockdown.
Over-night we were faced with no events, no networking and no end of lockdown in sight. As the country adjusted to the new measures and restrictions, the Chambers got to work doing everything and anything we could to help. Assisting with the Essex Resilience Forum and facilitating the supply of PPE across the county to NHS services. The Chambers made sure that our Members knew we were there for them to support in any way we could. Any thoughts of events or networking were shelved.
As everyone settled in to the ‘new normal’, the events team turned their attention to the potential of delivering events virtually. Having learned the ins and outs of Zoom, and utilising the Breakout Rooms feature, the format for our virtual events was created. Now it was just a question of whether anyone would want to attend?
On the 2nd June 2021 we launched our first ever virtual networking event and were thrilled to be joined by the Deputy Chief Constable of Essex Police, Pippa Mills, to see how we could work together to ensure there was a clear message that ‘Essex was Open’ and was safe and healthy. The event, to our relief, was a success! The feedback was positive and with constructive comments offered the Chambers were able to adapt and improve our strategy going forward. With a new confidence we set out planning more.
The Chambers have been pleased to be joined by our Patrons, Members and other organisations to deliver talks covering a range of topics. We’ve facilitated networking events with Greater Anglia, Highways England, the Port of Tilbury, VegTrug Ltd and the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Adam Marshall. These events have been attended by Members and Non-Members alike and have been a great success, with fantastic feedback.
“Truly excellent. Adam was superb and the open relaxed forum allowed for plenty of opportunity to ask direct questions and allow a comprehensive enlightened (and honest) reply from him. The breakout rooms for opportunities to network are truly a powerful addition to these events. Well done Essex Chamber!!”
“Great session, met some new interesting business connections - great format”
“I thought more time for networking worked really well. The speaker was also excellent with a wealth of great experience to draw on so I felt that was very valuable. This insight masterclass feel really made the event feel worthwhile.”
“Really useful event, professional and well organised. Made some excellent contacts and thoroughly enjoy the time.”
“"In the absence of 'live' events, these are great alternatives and very well organised. Thank you."
“Another well run and attended networking event online by Essex Chambers of Commerce!”
“Great event, very well organised”
“I always enjoy the events you put together they are like a box of chocolates you never know which one you are going to get!”
From all at Essex Chambers of Commerce we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has attended our virtual networking events. We had a total of 174 bookings this year alone, not bad for an event program started from scratch and a leap into the unknown. Thank you for your support during 2020 the year that none of us will forget!
Networking is vital to help a business to grow and no matter what, Essex Chambers will be there to help you make great connections. Take a look at our website for our upcoming virtual events in 2021. We hope to be able to see you all next year and fingers crossed it won’t be too long before we’ll be meeting face to face and not reminding each other to unmute.
And then March came and with-it lockdown.
Over-night we were faced with no events, no networking and no end of lockdown in sight. As the country adjusted to the new measures and restrictions, the Chambers got to work doing everything and anything we could to help. Assisting with the Essex Resilience Forum and facilitating the supply of PPE across the county to NHS services. The Chambers made sure that our Members knew we were there for them to support in any way we could. Any thoughts of events or networking were shelved.
As everyone settled in to the ‘new normal’, the events team turned their attention to the potential of delivering events virtually. Having learned the ins and outs of Zoom, and utilising the Breakout Rooms feature, the format for our virtual events was created. Now it was just a question of whether anyone would want to attend?
On the 2nd June 2021 we launched our first ever virtual networking event and were thrilled to be joined by the Deputy Chief Constable of Essex Police, Pippa Mills, to see how we could work together to ensure there was a clear message that ‘Essex was Open’ and was safe and healthy. The event, to our relief, was a success! The feedback was positive and with constructive comments offered the Chambers were able to adapt and improve our strategy going forward. With a new confidence we set out planning more.
The Chambers have been pleased to be joined by our Patrons, Members and other organisations to deliver talks covering a range of topics. We’ve facilitated networking events with Greater Anglia, Highways England, the Port of Tilbury, VegTrug Ltd and the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Adam Marshall. These events have been attended by Members and Non-Members alike and have been a great success, with fantastic feedback.
“Truly excellent. Adam was superb and the open relaxed forum allowed for plenty of opportunity to ask direct questions and allow a comprehensive enlightened (and honest) reply from him. The breakout rooms for opportunities to network are truly a powerful addition to these events. Well done Essex Chamber!!”
“Great session, met some new interesting business connections - great format”
“I thought more time for networking worked really well. The speaker was also excellent with a wealth of great experience to draw on so I felt that was very valuable. This insight masterclass feel really made the event feel worthwhile.”
“Really useful event, professional and well organised. Made some excellent contacts and thoroughly enjoy the time.”
“"In the absence of 'live' events, these are great alternatives and very well organised. Thank you."
“Another well run and attended networking event online by Essex Chambers of Commerce!”
“Great event, very well organised”
“I always enjoy the events you put together they are like a box of chocolates you never know which one you are going to get!”
From all at Essex Chambers of Commerce we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has attended our virtual networking events. We had a total of 174 bookings this year alone, not bad for an event program started from scratch and a leap into the unknown. Thank you for your support during 2020 the year that none of us will forget!
Networking is vital to help a business to grow and no matter what, Essex Chambers will be there to help you make great connections. Take a look at our website for our upcoming virtual events in 2021. We hope to be able to see you all next year and fingers crossed it won’t be too long before we’ll be meeting face to face and not reminding each other to unmute.