CIRCLE2SUCCESS CELEBRATE 5 YEARS AND GROW FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
WHEN CIRCLE2SUCESS WAS STARTED 5 YEARS AGO BY DIRECTORS’ SUZANNE HALL-GIBBINS AND ANGELA EDWARDS, WHILST UNDOUBTEDLY TWO OF THE BEST CONNECTED BUSINESS-WOMEN IN THE REGION, IT WAS STILL A BOLD MOVE TO START SUCH AN ORGANISATION FROM SCRATCH. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY AND C2S AS IT IS KNOWN FOR SHORT, IS THE FASTEST GROWING BUSINESS COMMUNITY, NETWORKING GROWTH ORGANISATION ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST AND WORCESTERSHIRE.
The scale and breadth of its membership is quite breathtaking with a combined turnover in-excess of £7.25bilion the member companies employ over 58,000 people. Working across all business sectors and every size of organisation, C2S has a clear strategy on how they promote and support their members. From running first class, informative, insightful and inspiring events to promoting their members throughout the year, C2S can rightly claim to provide access to local, regional and national opportunities, cutting edge ideas and solutions.
Angela Edwards explained what was truly unique about the C2S membership. “The C2S business community work together, they collaborate, share knowledge, ideas and best practice. The extent to which businesses within the group do business together or even in some cases enter into partnerships has exceeded even our expectations”.
Earlier in the year Circle2success (C2S) launched their Excellence in Business Awards. An opportunity to showcase and recognise members for their growth; continuation to the economy; sustainability, education links and employee engagement.
Working with key businesses across the region including organisations like Omega Resource Group; Montpellier; DAD; Gillmans; PSU and Fig Offices as well as global brands like Renishaw and Spirax Sarco; charities including Lilian Faithful; CCP and National Star and educational establishments like Dean Close; University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire College.
Jonathan Viney, Sales Director of Simplicity explained what they get out of their membership of C2S. “We have used Circle2success to build our supplier network as we have grown our business to a turnover now in excess of £100 million. We work with over 20 C2S companies who we have developed strong relationships. We also take advantage of the fantastic events and visits which have helped me personally to develop my skills and also those of key members of Simplicity staff.”
Darren Stevens, Managing Director of Prestbury Marketing gave his perspective on C2S. “Networking and connecting with other local businesses is a core part of most organisations business development. In my opinion C2S has become THE organisation to join from this perspective with both the number and size of businesses involved but also its unique ability to enable you to meet Senior Executives from these businesses. We have recommended C2S to many of our clients and will continue to do so in the future”.
C2S goes from strength to strength, recently releasing their 2018 Q3 Stats smashing their previous figures with an 18.8% increase in traffic to their website. With just over 28,000 visitors this provides tremendous brand exposure for members. Recent added value initiatives for members on the website include the ability to promote member 2 member offers and the opportunity to advertise vacancies on Vacancy Viewer. Members can also access white papers and workshop materials and attend Leader Boardrooms and Thought Leadership events. C2S also has sector specific
offerings for Construction and Engineering and functional specific Focus Groups for HR and Cyber. Company visits are always popular with members which have recently including visits to Gymshark; Morgan Motor company; Hinkley Point B&C; Tesla; Bristol Port; Renishaw Manufacturing Technology Centre; Mazak and Spirax Sarco to name just a few.
“We are very proud to have the opportunity to work with so many fantastic organisations and business leaders” said Suzanne Hall-gibbins. “They are a real inspiration. We work hard to make a difference to members by making valuable connections; helping to overcome challenges; open doors; bring new ideas and create relevant conversations. It is a real privilege to work with our members in this way”.
C2S have expanded and continue to grow into new areas. Now building the network of successful businesses in Bristol, Bath and Worcestershire and recently moving into Swindon & Wiltshire.
Andrea Borwell-fox has just joined the team to head up the Worcestershire region. Andrea has many years of experience in business and until recently was President of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber she brings a wealth of knowledge and connections. “She is fantastic addition to the team” commented Angela. C2S have recently moved Headquarters but remain very much in Gloucestershire. Their new office is on the site of C2S members ILEC IMEC in Cheltenham, providing the opportunity to grow and further expand the team as the organisation moves into new areas.