Business representatives had the chance to test-drive a new Porsche while networking in Norwich.
Nearly 40 people representing 21 companies came together for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) event.
It was part of the charity’s fast-growing Business Circle initiative and hosted by one of the members, Porsche Centre Norwich.
Representatives had the chance to chat and relax together, forging new connections, and one of the highlights was being able to test-drive a gleaming new electric Porsche.
“It went fantastically well and I’m so grateful to Porsche Centre Norwich, for giving us a free rein of its showroom,” said EACH’s Corporate Fundraising Manager, Caroline Allen.
“Centre Principal Matthew Lockwood and his team couldn’t have been better hosts and everything went smoothly.
“In addition to the test drives, they also gave us a tour of the workshop, as well as laying on delicious refreshments from The Coffee Club, Norfolk.
“There was a real buzz and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to connect and network. There was a positive atmosphere from start to finish.
“We know how much people enjoyed it from their comments on the day and messages on social media.”
EACH’s Business Circle – a corporate venture open to companies across East Anglia – launched last June.
Members have the chance to build connections and attend events, while at the same time making a financial commitment to EACH.
The group has caught the attention of companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex and a special launch took place at Royal Norwich Golf Club, in October, hosted by Mark Burton, of MCB Financial Services.
The first full Business Circle event then followed at Newmarket’s Bedford Lodge Hotel, in November.
More gatherings are planned throughout the year, including one at The Carpenters Arms, in Cambridge.
Others will follow at Helmingham Hall, during Children’s Hospice Week, in June, at The Jockey Club, in Newmarket, in September, and at Ipswich Audi, in October.
The companies to have signed up so far are MCB Financial Services, Richard Tidy and Partners Wealth Management, MKM Building Supplies, Anglia Will Writers, Brewin Dolphin, Bateman Groundworks, Daly Group, KKD Finance, Porsche Centre Norwich, Cannon Clarke Architects, Hatch Brenner, National Fostering Agency, Handelsbanken, Radcliffe & Rust, Treatt, Healey’s Print Group, DMD Group, Urban & Civic, Birketts, A&S Cooling Services, Helmingham Hall, Phoenix Travel Contracts Ltd, Richard Utting Associates, Norwich Aluminium, Solar Signs, Larking Gowen LLP, Roadtechs Group, Roche Chartered Surveyors, Howe Tools, Heathpatch, Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd, Skinners, Dencora, Bedford Lodge Hotel, Vision Arch, Terrasite Ltd and Ixworth Solar Farming Ltd.
“The Business Circle is going really well,” added Caroline.
“We rely on voluntary donations and a key part of our fundraising income comes from corporate friends and supporters,” added Caroline.
“This is a very special opportunity to cement that commitment, by pledging a certain amount every year – money that will make a tangible difference to the families, children and young people receiving our care and support.
“Membership is building steadily and the feedback has been extremely positive.
“Businesses are finding it useful, positive and productive and we’re very much looking forward to putting on more events throughout the year.”
The cost to join is £1,000 a year, including VAT, and membership includes the chance to visit one of EACH’s hospices.
Members have the opportunity to sponsor events at a discounted rate, in addition to being a host venue for networking functions.
There are also PR opportunities, in addition to having exclusive use of the Business Circle logo for internal communications, as well as being featured on EACH’s dedicated Business Circle webpage and being listed in EACH’s Report and Accounts.
To read more or sign up, head here.
Alternatively, email Caroline via (caroline.allen@each.org.uk), Laura Southcott (Norfolk) via laura.southcott@each.org.uk, Hannah Forbester (Cambridge and West Essex) via hannah.forbester@each.org.uk, Billie Nugent (Suffolk and East Essex) via billie.nugent@each.org.uk or Rachel Mayes-Dally (Suffolk and East Essex) via rachel.mayes-dally@each.org.uk