Businesses from across the city were invited to De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) this morning to network and learn more about a new breakfast club for companies, writes Tim Ince.
The Business Breakfast Club, hosted by Leicester Castle Business School (LCBS) and #DMUlocal, saw organisations come together to identify how they can work together to grow Leicestershire's economy.
Professor Dana Brown, Principal of LCBS, said: “The breakfast club event is all about engaging with business communities in Leicester to talk about what Leicester Castle Business School can offer.
“#DMUlocal is helping to serve this mission by working alongside us in hosting the breakfast club, which allows businesses to socialise, network and identify how they can work together in the future.”
Guests heard from Prof Brown and Head of Public Engagement Mark Charlton about the role of LCBS and #DMUlocal in the community, and how the expertise of DMU academics and students can be used to benefit businesses.
Janet Hudson, of British Cycling, said: “I was really interested to understand more about the business school and this was a good opportunity to do that and meet other businesses.”
Following the talks, guests were invited to discuss ways in which LCBS and #DMUlocal could support businesses and pitch project ideas for #DMUlocal.
Edward Wallace, of national PR and communications agency Champions UK, said: “This club is a chance to meet people and network. It is really important to create a business community and meet contacts to see if there are any shared issues DMU can support us on.
“Integration between the university and businesses can be beneficial for graduates by showing them opportunities in Leicester, rather than having them flying off left, right and centre.”
The two-hour event forms part of the Leicester Business Festival, which sees more than 80 events take place across the city over two weeks. LCBS is the official headline sponsor of the event.
Chris Boxall, of Health Link Services UK, studied Advertising and Marketing Communications at DMU. He said: “Like our company, DMU is a training based provider and as such, it is important that our team work with the university to enhance the city and the community.
“There are always opportunities to support businesses and students through training such as internships.”
The new LCBS business club will launch in January to coincide with the official opening of the school.
Posted on Thursday 3 November 2016