Networking group marks its 100th ‘making magic happen’ gathering
A NETWORKING group that brings together businesses, community groups, charities and local leaders has celebrated it centenary.
On Friday last week, members of Wokingham Positive Difference (WPD) has been bringing together representatives from the worlds of business, community, and government for eight years.
The borough networking group celebrated its 100th event at the weekend.
Founder Graeme Hobbs, said: “I firmly believe that if you get the right people together, in the right place, and at the right time, you can make magic happen.
“Our aim is to forge positive links between business, community, and government, and that’s what we’ve been doing for nearly a decade.
“But getting business leaders, community organisations, and government to work together is not always easy.
“We know that Wokingham is such a strong place.
“We have fantastic people and organisations doing amazing things, like the Wokingham Lions, for example.
“But businesses, councillors and community groups are not always great at communicating with each other.
“The council may want to engage with business but doesn’t know how; business may avoid communicating with the council for lack of trust; and community groups may be unsure of how to talk with either of these two.
“This is why we set up Wokingham Positive Business, to address some of these issues, and to create space for people from all three of these groups to network and engage.”
Wokingham Positive Difference meets monthly.
Its members enjoy a networking breakfast together and the chance to exchange ideas, before hearing from a visiting speaker.
“We’ve heard some great talks over the years, and enjoyed some very memorable and varied events,” said Mr Hobbs.
“From a robot walking around the room, to a visit from John Redwood, we like to provide our members with something different every time.
“Our strap line is ‘education and insight’ – we’re very keen to share knowledge between the different worlds of government, commerce, and community.”
Members at the group’s 100th session were able to hear from Brian Moffatt of Petrophase Ltd, whose problem solving work in petroleum exploration has gained him several awards and 12 world firsts.
Wokingham Positive Difference currently attracts a blend of around 50 people each month.
Gary Cranford from Wokingham Borough Council is a longstanding member of the group.
He said: “WPD is very important because it brings together, community, business and local government.
“It enables me to share the work of our WBC team, and how it impacts and supports businesses in the borough.”
Ellie Gosling from First Days Children’s Charity was attending for the first time, hoping to meet people from the business community interested in supporting her organisation.
Janet Collyer, non-executive director of Technologies, said: “I work professionally in women’s development, and I’d like to be able to support women here in business, and in the community.”
WPD meets in Wokingham Town Hall, on a Friday morning at 8am. Sessions, which include breakfast, networking opportunities, and a speaker, cost £25.