Eight pre-event seminars were held across the Gatwick Diamond area, ensuring the local suppliers were prepared for the main sales event and were informed on how best to follow up contacts made. Find out about this years seminars below:
Seminar 1 - Breaking New Markets in a Post Brexit Britain
Attendees of this seminar benefited from the extensive and varied experiences of two Award Winning UK businesses, and gain valuable insight in to the changing face of international trading as Britain approaches BREXIT.
Nick Broom of PVL and Tamara Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate spoke about the countries their companies export to and the challenges they’ve faced before a ‘Question Time’ session chaired by Rosemary French of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative. With first-hand experience, Nick and Tamara were able to answer a range of questions including; useful resources for exporting; changes to EU regulation and the effects on businesses, and the pros & cons of a stronger or weaker pound.
The session concluded with questions from the audience and discussion on what impact Brexit could really make.
Our thanks go to our Speakers, Nick Broom of PVL & Tamara Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate, our Chair Person Rosemary French of Gatwick Diamond Initiative, and our hosts Welland Medical.
Seminar 2 - Opportunity Knocks – Growth through Innovation
With issues like single use plastic & air pollution high in people’s minds, it is even more important for businesses to reflect the needs & expectations of their customers.
Anya Ledwith & Sandra Norval covered three areas to help businesses grow through innovation:
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Systems - effective management systems & efficient processes
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Products - innovative products & materials
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Markets - identifying new markets & opportunities.
This interactive seminar gave attendees the space to think about the bigger picture. Thinking of your customer first and what their needs and wants might be, or simply networking with someone you wouldn’t initially think would be of relevance.
Our thanks go to our Speakers Anya Ledwith of Eshcon Ltd, Sandra Norval of Catalicity and our hosts, Canon (UK) Ltd.
Seminar 3 - Crisis Management & Situational Awareness
This excellent seminar delivered by Greg Pye of Pilgrims Training Academy, guided attendees through the key elements of remaining safe should you be caught up in a terror incident.
Greg explained that threats encountered are similar, no matter what type of region, with the key differences being the levels of sophistication used and the level to which criminals are prepared to go.
Being prepared and situationally aware are the two key factors in relation to successful avoidance. Greg provided an overview of the most pertinent risks facing the business traveller and the necessary skills and knowledge required to help remain safe and avoid trouble. He also outlined what we need to focus on and what we can do to avoid or survive an attack.
Following Government and police guidelines of Run, Hide, Tell, Greg expanded on these elements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of what we need to do in order to help mitigate the risks we may face, and help keep ourselves safe until an attack is over or the emergency services arrive. Preparation and situational awareness are fundamental to our safety.
Seminar 4 - Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2018 Launch Reception & Growth Seminar
Attendees at this Seminar and Launch event received a warm welcome from the Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers sponsors before hearing a presentation from Lisa Freeman, Senior Manager, Grant Thornton UK LL on the details from a new report from Grant Thornton UK LLP, Planning for Growth.
Attendees heard about attributes that characterise ‘Growth Generators’: a group of sustainable, high growth businesses, who have recorded growth of 20% or more in the last year and sustainable growth for the last three.
The presentation was followed by a thought provoking Q & A session and enabled the attnedees to share their points of view.
Seminar 5 - Maximising the Gatwick Purchasing Opportunity
Attendees at this seminar heard from Gatwick Airport's Karen Brown - Head of Procurement & Stephen Espley, Performance & Process Manager, about the value of Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers Programme and the commercial benefits of being involved.
They advised attendees what is required from an Airport supplier, details around local supply chain, what it takes to be a supplier at Gatwick and gave some top tips for new suppliers.
With over 70 years’ experience between them in the airport industry, providing strategic, implementation and delivery management roles, attendees then heard from from David Gill - Managing Director, and David Anderson - Commercial Director, both of Marco, & Rob Stefanovic - General Manager of OmniServ Ltd. Attendees benefited from their expert advice and knowledge in all aspects of airport activities.
Seminar 6 - Digital & Social Media Marketing
Attendees at this seminar heard from James Dempster, MD of Cobb Digital onhow brand purpose has become one of the most important elements of any marketing strategy, with 88% of consumers looking for brands that have a positive impact on the world. Responsible brands are able to charge an average of 58% more for their products and are experiencing a higher rate of growth than their conventional competitors. Attendees explored what their brand stands for and learnt how to develop a meaningful brand purpose in line with their company values and the needs of their audience, and how to effectively activate this across social media channels.
Seminar 7 - Developing your Presentation and Public Speaking Confidence and Skills
Attendees heard from David Mellor of David Mellor Mentoring & Gerry Thompson of Postive Comedy Training in a highly interactive and practical learning session. As well as preparing the delegates for their imminent Meet the Buyer experience, both presenters led learning that can be applied in the wider context of interaction with potential customers, such as addressing an audience, speaking up in a meeting, networking, and pitching in other settings.
Seminar 8 - Following up & Following on