Fun night for bosses (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Fun night for bosses

BUSINESS owners are being urged to see the funny side of serious business with a new networking comedy event.

The scheme the brainchild of Networking Swindon will be launched over the next few weeks and aims to move business networking into a more social climate by introducing a wider variety of venues and social interests.

The organisation, which was started two months ago hopes to use recently re-launched comedy nights at the Apartment bar, in Swindon town centre, as a venue for the events.

Warren Cass, of Networking Swindon, said: "The idea that people can simply go along to a networking event and just start doing business is completely wrong.

"The idea about networking is about getting to know the people you are dealing with better and the new comedy club is one way of doing this.

"It is more of a social affair, by sharing experiences like the comedy night business people build up a relationship rather like bonding and once people know each other they will start doing business together.

"I know the Apartment has plans to bring in some top comedians to the town, so all those involved should have a great time."

The idea follows on from a successful wine-tasting event at Magnum's Wine Shop in Old Town.

And the organisation is now planning a series of bi-monthly networking curry club nights.

It says it will give business owners a chance to test their mettle on the hottest of dishes and curry favour with new customers.

The Comedy Club evenings are planned to take place on the first Tuesday of each month at the Apartment, in Havelock Square.

Admission would normally be £6, but for £10 Networking Swindon's pre-registered guests will have exclusive use of the VIP bar, a buffet meal and front row seats for the comedy.

Swindon Networking already has 1,200 Swindon businesses signed up as members.

It aims to improve networking between businesses, networking organisations, local authorities, the university, the media and the Chamber of Commerce and says it hopes they will generate mutual support.

For more information about Networking Swindon or to find out more about its future events, visit the website at www.networkingswindon.com or telephone 0845 0031347.

Anthony Osborne