Catch up on news and see what's planned over the next couple of months. No Images? Click here We've had a blast! But all good things must come to an end (...or do they?) This Network of ours was launched way back in June 2012. Over the past 7+ years, as founder and leader, I've had the best of times, with some amazing events, at beautiful venues, attended by some of the most amazing, dedicated and influential support professionals from all across the South West (and beyond!). It has absolutely been a privilege to get to know so many of you. I hope that over the period since the Network launched, it has helped to raise the profile of the profession, tackle skills shortages, support members, provide development opportunities, connect individuals and businesses, and has generally made a positive contribution to the local business environment. As I mentioned previously, I left my role as an EA last year (after 22 years with my former employer) to start a property business. The business is going well - but this success means that I'm struggling to give the Network the time and attention it deserves. I've therefore taken the difficult decision to step away from the Network (as I can't possibly settle for doing half a job - it has to be all or nothing in my book!). Look at what we've achieved in just the last 3 years!* ✔ 1658 event tickets sold ✔ 944 people registered as members ✔ 63+ events held ✔ 3 conferences ✔ £2400 raised for local charities ✔ numerous members have won industry awards ✔ we were shortlisted for UK External PA Network of the Year ✔ and most important: countless invaluable connections, friendships and partnerships made * we only started using Eventbrite and collecting event data in 2016 Are you the new captain? ✈ Are you ready for a new challenge? Lead the Network and help shape the agenda for the profession across the SW and beyond! ... and make it a thriving business for yourself in the process! It would be fantastic to see and mentor the next stage in the Network's journey. I have approached a few parties, but am open to various options at the moment—if you feel like this is the right challenge for you, please let's have a chat. A member takeover would make perfect sense. As well as being a forum to support local PAs, EAs, VAs, etc, and a means by which to make a contribution to the local economy, I think it could be a great business for the right person or organisation. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please do get in touch!
↘ TAKE OVER THE NETWORK AND CHART A NEW DIRECTION! ↘ RECOMMEND A FRIEND OR AN ORGANISATION ↘ HAVE A CHAT WITH ME ABOUT WHAT IT WOULD MEAN ~ Kim ~ and of course: a huge thank you! I am so grateful. None of this would have been possible without you - the members! Some of you have been there from the start; attending pretty much every event. I am so grateful to you for sharing this journey with me. Another HUGE THANK YOU goes to our brilliant sponsors. I seriously cannot thank you all enough. You've enabled us to grow, develop our brand and promote Exeter nationally and internationally, engage with more members and their organisations, help our members improve skills, to increase productivity and generally make business happen. I salute you all... Our August breakfast might be our last: come and hang out together! We will, of course, also be running the Word, Excel & Powerpoint Masterclass with Paul Pennant on 25 September. If there is sufficient demand, we will put on a second date for that Masterclass – perhaps sometime in October. But, there are currently no plans for any further events. Monthly Business Breakfast / Th 15.08. / 7.30amLaura Cowie, Cyber Protect Officer @ D&C Police will talk about using social media/apps, taking your own devices to work and home-working safety. Word, Excel & Powerpoint Masterclass with Paul Pennant / We 25.09. / 9.00amThis event is SOLD OUT!! We will look at organising a further date (October?) if there is sufficient demand (18+ on wait list). ☝ REGISTER (WITHOUT OBLIGATION) FOR THE WAIT LIST IF YOU WANT ANOTHER DATE Stay tuned in for the latest info: Over and out...Kim Glover xx |