Invitation open to join new Leamington Business Forum

Set up by the man behind the successful Stratford Business Forum, the event will include talks by guest speakers Chris White MP and Warwickshire College principal Mariane Cavalli, as well as time for questions and discussions.

Founder Jonathan Smith said: “Three years ago, I started the Stratford Business Forum. There are now 180 members, some of which are based in Leamington and Warwick. They have been saying for a while that there is nothing quite like it in Leamington.”

Mr Smith said that the Stratford forum has become so successful because it links all sectors of the business community, while also looking at other organisations from a business point of view.

He said: “Our membership includes schools, colleges, theatres and manufacturers, as well as legal companies, banks and the like. It’s a whole cross section.

“It’s a good opportunity to meet people from other sectors - it’s not just networking. It’s a good way to build good, solid local relationships.”

Mr Smith is expecting that around 70 people to attend each forum, which will take place as a breakfast meeting on the second Friday of each month at different venues in the Leamington area. Membership costs £200 a year.

Although the format is likely to be two speakers followed by discussions, Mr Smith said the forum will be “member led”. He said: “For example, in Stratford we have found that lots of businesses are involved in the property sector, so we developed a specific property forum to meet from time to time.”

All members will also be promised a strong presence on the forum’s website.

The first forum takes place next Friday at the Leamington and County Golf Club in Golf Lane, Whitnash, from 7.30am to 9am. To book a place, visit www.leamington-business-forum.co.uk