Press Releases
Knowledge Dock launches new Business Alumni to facilitate networking
28 March 2008
Knowledge Dock (KD), the University of East London's enterprise development service, launched its New Business Alumni on the 26th March 2008 at the Knowledge Dock Business Centre.
This new initiative has been designed to help Knowledge Dock business clients network with like-minded individuals, share best practice and generate new business opportunities.
Knowledge Dock clients will now be able to connect and network with other KD clients within a private business forum, both offline (at monthly meetings) and online (via an interactive website for the business community). This will provide an effective resource from which companies can promote their services, find new partners and brainstorm ideas.
Over 40 representatives from different businesses attended the evening launch event, held at the Knowledge Dock Showcase Suite. The attendees were given a guide on how the new service could be utilised and a presentation by business speaker Heather White. She gave the audience tips on how to achieve best results from networking and clients spent an hour meeting one-another and discussing ideas.
The event received very positive feedback from businesses and a clear enthusiasm to drive the project forward, as Ed Bell, Managing Director of Crown Bio Technology Ltd, said:-
““I’m a great believer in networking if it is done properly and I think Knowledge Dock clearly understands how businesses can get the best out of these events. There was a welcoming atmosphere not driven by sales, handing out brochures, that sort of thing; it was more about establishing relationships. The monthly meetings with a regular bunch of companies will be very beneficial in forming other networks and getting referrals. I also know that we can go to Knowledge Dock should we need guidance on good business representatives to speak with, as they know who-is-who and it removes that ‘pot-luck’ aspect of going to networking events.”
Emily Owens, who is in the process of setting up her own woman’s clothing brand ‘Emily Is’, said she attended the event to gain inspiration from business experts:-
“I came to the Knowledge Dock Business Alumni event in order to meet new people and find out more about the services I can use to support the growth of my company. It was great to be able to speak to people who understood where I was coming from and the process I am going through as a business start-up. Having an event specifically dedicated to networking meant that everyone was really keen and focused on chatting.”
The evening concluded with a prize draw for a bottle of Bollinger champagne (given to Sanjay Misra, from XOR Limited) and participants were encouraged to enter a competition to win the chance to give a 5 minute pitch on their business to alumni members at the next meeting.
The next Business Alumni event at the Knowledge Dock Centre will take place on Wednesday 23rd April 2008, where Dr Bill Moir, a Learning and Development Specialist will give attendees some practical tips and hints on how to improve their negotiating and influencing skills. Businesses not already registered are welcome to join the club and they will receive a bespoke service to ensure Knowledge Dock, as the Facilitator, understands their business and the best people for them to network with. For further information please email info@knowledgedock.com.
Ends
Contact:
Kate Ashenden
Communications Executive
Knowledge Dock
020 8223 7076
Karen Wilton
Conference & Events Executive
Knowledge Dock
020 8223 6505
Notes to editors:
University of East London
Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of our diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship.
Knowledge Dock
As the business facing arm of UEL, Knowledge Dock provides enterprising services for businesses, public and voluntary sector organisations, as well as to students and entrepreneurs.
Our mission is to support the development of enterprise and innovation by providing access to the facilities, knowledge and expertise of the University, its academic staff and its students.
