Stokesley’s popular networking organisation, Thirsty Thursday, has received a cash boost from Hambleton District Council to secure its future and grow membership.
The grant will be used to help the free networking group enhance its offering to those attending and provide long term sustainability.
Thirsty Thursday is a free, monthly networking event for businesses and organisations in and around Stokesley to exchange ideas and expertise as well as promote their services, skills and opportunities.
Each event attracts over 40 businesses and has been a popular event since its launch in 2014. The networking group won the Hambleton Champion 2016 award from Hambleton District Council, receiving the recognition for providing support and resources for local businesses.
The networking event is organised by Anna Addison, who runs PR company Anna Addison Associates, and Sue Thompson, who runs Catch Design Management.
Anna said: “Thanks to the cash boost we can think about offering our local business community more speakers at our events, a comprehensive newsletter and more free promotional opportunities for their businesses. More importantly, the grant will help to secure our future and increase membership as we approach our third anniversary.”
Sue said: “This grant is vital for us to continue with Thirsty Thursday as it is a free event and it has grown to such an extent that we now need to offer those that attend more. We’re also hoping to build up our network and further strengthen collaboration in the town and promote the area.”
Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilkinson, said: “The council has links with lots of networks but access to resources to help develop and promote them is needed. Thirsty Thursday is led by two hard-working individuals- who’re also running their own small businesses- on a voluntary basis. We know that with more support they could do much more for their local business communities. Thirsty Thursday has become vital in offering a support network and we’re delighted to be able to offer our support.
“Networks such as this allow the council to engage with the business community which is a great conduit for sharing information and we see as an important route and tool in boosting the local economy.”
Thirsty Thursday, held at The Mill on Springfield once a month, is free to attend. The next event is on 19th October.
http://www.thirstythursdaystokesley.co.uk/