A NETWORKING event exploring social media credibility for business leaders was hailed a ‘roaring success’.
Around 100 business representatives attended the event delivered by Carlisle-based HR consultancy, Realise HR, and Newsquest’s in-Cumbria magazine.
Table Talk: Credibility - The Ultimate Competitive Advantage in Social Media was held at the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, in Penrith, on Friday, January 12.
The event, hosted by Newsquest Cumbria regional editor Joy Yates, featured a number of high-profile figures from across the business world in Cumbria, including Sarah Corlett, corporate communication officer at Sellafield Ltd; Martin Norris, head of recruitment at Realise HR; Jayne Moorby, head of marketing at Oxley Developments and Carol O'Donoghue, marketing director at Cartmell Shepherd.
Speaking at the event, Sellafield Ltd’s Sarah Corlett said “I think it’s been a roaring success, it’s really good to get like-minded people in the same room and it’s been a great networking opportunity.
“It’s good for Sellafield Ltd to share our knowledge, sharing the digital expertise that we have gathered over the years and bring that into practice within the local community and local supply chain.”
Jayne Moorby of Oxley Developments said: “It’s about sharing best practice and an opportunity to network with other people working in marketing roles in the county, it’s really good to hear different people’s perspectives about how they approach the challenge, about how you could do things differently or better, and understand how they deal with the challenge.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s great to network and meet some people that I don’t know on a day-to-day basis.”
Martin Norris, head of recruitment at Realise HR praised the ‘inspiring and insightful’ event with ‘lots of energy in the room’.
He said: “I think it’s interesting to see different thoughts and perspectives on something that plays a day-to-day part in our world and be able to hopefully lead and educate others in something which can be really challenging and really hard to get to grips with.”
Carol O'Donoghue, marketing director at Cartmell Shepherd said: “I thought it was a great event and I picked up some good tips. I thought it was a balanced panel with the nuclear industry represented as well as large and small businesses, which I think led to great discussion and covered a lot of topics.
“It was interesting to see how others run their social media and I have definitely come away with some great tips.”
Talking about the need for social media in business, she said: “It’s vital, it really is one of the most important aspects of the business, particularly when looking at succession and your future target audiences, clientele and staff, because I think younger people expect you to be on social media.”
Joy Yates said: “To hear such amazing feedback from our brilliant panellists is fantastic. Our audience members were also generous with their comments, one business leader saying he was active on LinkedIn and posted every day but still took some lessons from the sessions. Another guest had posted his first ever Facebook post that week.
“The audience was extremely engaged and asked many brilliant, searching questions – which made my job as host very easy and particularly enjoyable.”
The next in-Cumbria magazine networking event in March will also be a panel session to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.
This year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ to promote a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The event on Friday, March 1 at North Lakes Hotel & Spa will feature a panel including: Eirini Etoimou (Sellafield Ltd.); Jill Glencross (Jill Glencross Funeral Directors); Rachael Bell (Rachael Bell Wealth Management) and Emma Jayne Gooch (Plain Purpose Ltd).
Emily Wood, sales director at Newsquest Cumbria, said: "We'd love for everyone to join us as we host an inspiring event dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and innovation of women in our local business community.
"This event is a testament to the strength and impact of women in various industries, and will be an empowering insight into their success stories."
To find out more about the event or book a place you can click here.
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