The Hive: Getting businesses around the table in 2020

As part of this initiative, we’re also holding a series of intimate roundtables over the coming months in which encourage locals to bring their ideas, quite literally, to the table.

So what is a roundtable and why are they so important? Providing a platform for balanced, structured discussions on business or other current affairs, roundtables are a great way for local businesses to get together and have their voice heard. Organisers and participants usually agree on specific topics to debate, with each delegate having an equal right to contribute. And where better to host this type of event than The Hive, providing an intimate yet professional setting at the heart of the Wealden business community.

On 7^th October 2020, we’ll be welcoming the Bank of England’s Deputy Agent, South East & East Anglia, Alex Golledge, who will be chairing the discussion, as well as the Federation of Small Businesses’ Development Manager, Alison Parmar. The event will include an economic update followed by a business insight discussion. Panellists so far include local agricultural business entrepreneur, Sarah Calcutt, and our very own co-founder, Emma Wood. For more details, contact The Hive team at connect@hivehubs.buzz.

At The Hive, we recognise how hard local businesspeople are working to launch their business, or build their brand and establish a foothold in the local community, or perhaps even diversify their offering. Therefore, in the lead-up to the Bank of England’s roundtable, we’ll be dedicated to gathering the views of the local businesspeople we engage with. If you’d like to contribute to the conversation, here are just two ways you can come and engage with us.

Big Buzz Networking

If you’re looking to spread the word about your business in an informal, relaxed atmosphere, then pop along to one of our FREE monthly networking sessions, held on the third Thursday of each month, between 6pm and 9pm. Emma, Stuart and other members of our team will be on hand to welcome you and your colleagues, and to tempt you with a range of complimentary nibbles and Greek meze.

During these sessions you can share your opinions and experiences, and help shape the discussion at our future roundtable events. Our monthly meets are free of charge and we welcome businesses from all over the Weald. All we ask is that you confirm your attendance in advance to receive a name badge at connect@hivehubs.buzz, buy a drink at the bar, and make a discretionary donation to our chosen charity, West Kent Mind, on the night.

Wealden Insights Mini Roundtables

We have also teamed up with experienced business and development coach, Philip Crocker of Darwin Whitty, to host a series of mini debates, each comprising 6 to 8 people. Chairing the discussions, Philip Crocker has a warm and engaging personality with a very natural conversational style that allows delegates to enter into a powerful dialogue in which all sorts of change can happen. Philip has a wealth of experience in commercial, regulated markets, public and not-for-profit sectors. He currently acts as Mentor and Executive Coach to senior leaders at CEO and Director level and is an accredited coach supervisor.

Co-hosted by The Hive and Darwin Whitty, our Wealden Insights Mini Roundtables will be held on the first Thursday of each month between March and July 2020, from 6pm. Participation is free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis, and includes tea, coffee, fruit juice and light meze. For further details, or to register your interest in participating, please email: connect@hivehubs.buzz.

Have your say, book today!

Roundtables and networking events are the perfect way for you to engage with the community, have your say, and of course, promote your business in the meantime. For an informal chat about any of the events above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Emma and the team at: connect@hivehubs.buzz.

Don’t forget, The Hive is also a great place to meet your friends and colleagues for coffee, lunch/dinner or a business meeting. So if you’ve never experienced the vibe at The Hive, do pop along and say hi. You never know, you might just meet your next business lead while you’re here!