BUSINESS leaders from acrossWest Sussexwere delivered a warning at the first County Times Networking Afternoon – if you do not embrace social media, you will fall behind.
The message came from Warren Cass, the founder of Business Scene and the keynote speaker at the event, which was held at Ghyll Manor Hotel and Restaurant in Rusper.
Warren’s address, entitled ‘Resistance is Futile!’ shone light on the complex world of social networking and social marketing, and highlighted the benefits, but also the dangers for those who are yet to take advantage of the powerful networking tool.
“I thought Warren Cass was inspirational,” said Peter Sutton, managing director of Billingshurst-based advertising agency PMW, adding: “The West Sussex County Times as always were fabulously professional.”
The event was in support of Horsham 100, a fundraising initiative launched by Peter Sutton along with Jules White, head ofTanbridgeHouseSchool, back in May. The challenge is to raise £100,000 for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust, which runs the School for Parents with children with cerebral palsy at Five Oaks.
Thanks to the generosity of the guests at the Networking Afternoon, who bought raffle tickets for £10 a strip, the event raised hundreds of pounds for the good cause.
“The afternoon was a huge success,” said Ghyll Manor’s head of operations Antony Osborne-Ford, “and we thank the local business community and the West Sussex County Times for helping to raise much-needed funds for Horsham 100.
“It was great to see so many new faces at Ghyll Manor,” addedAntony. “The sun even came out so attendees had a chance to enjoy the grounds with air rifle shooting on the lawns afterwards.”
Three lucky guests will be returning to the hotel after winning Afternoon Tea, Dinner for Two and Ghyll Manor’s Ultimate Conference Day worth £1500 – the top prize in the raffle. Winner Adam Clennel or Eden HR Consulting said: “It was a real shock to win. Eve and I are delighted with the prize, and we look forward to returning to Ghyll Manor to enjoy the facilities with our team.”
Other winners will be enjoying a Spa Experience at Slinfold Golf and Country Club, thanks to its support of Horsham 100, and having the benefit of an advertorial in theCountyTimes.
Editor-in-chief Gary Shipton thanked Ghyll Manor for hosting the paper’s first networking afternoon, and asked delegates for feedback to determine whether there should be further similar events. A number have already expressed their desire to attend future sessions, and we are looking for other inspirational speakers, like Warren Cass, to give a main address. If you have a suggestion please contact theo.cronin@sussexnewspapers.co.uk.
To book Ghyll Manor visit www.booking.com/GhyllManorCountryHotel. You can also find more information about the Horsham100 project, and sign up for a 100 km walk at www.horsham100.co.uk. More information about Warren Cass, and top social marketing tips, visit www.warrencass.com.
