Networking event at South West Innovation Centre in Ivybridge

The next 3rd Friday is on 20 April 2012 at the Innovation Centre in the Watermark at Ivybridge. The guest speaker will be Frank Sobey from Harbour Sports, who will be talking about ‘Getting the Best of out People’.

This latest Friday networking breakfast is part of Torbay Council’s programme of events to help local businesses develop and grow; through providing a comprehensive range of business support and managed workspaces through its economic development company, Torbay Development Agency.

Frank founded Harbour Sports as a watersports school and shop in 1977 with Julian Smith. They were on the water all day every day in the summer season teaching windsurfing, hiring out equipment, running speedboat trips and by the late 80s were providing aqua-sausage rides!

By 1990, Harbour Sports expanded into Plymouth and took over the Barbican shop. Harbour Sports was by now one of the biggest and best known shops of its type in the UK. In 1996 the Exeter shop opened at Fore Street in the city centre. Although the windsurfing school isn't around any more, Frank still surfs, skates and skis and his philosophy is clear - live the life!

Frank will be talking about how to get the best of out everyone - employees, customers and suppliers – through techniques such as: Delivering positive messages; focussing on personal and staff motivation; and considering the cultural aspects of staff relations.

The agenda for 20 April is:

8.30 Arrive, refreshments and networking
9.10 Welcome, Adrian Sheen, South West Innovation Centre Manager
9.15 Getting the Best out of People, Frank Sobey
9.30 Networking
10.00 CLOSE

Deputy Mayor of Torbay, David Thomas, said: “All businesses from Torbay and the surrounding are welcome to attend our Friday networking events at our successful Innovations Centres. This is a great chance for local business to meet eachother and hear some interesting presentations from a varied programme of leading business people.”

Anyone can register to attend, there is a £5 fee which includes a breakfast buffet, and Innovations Centres tenants can come along free of charge. Register by emailing the TDA at: [email protected]

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Torbay Council established the South West Innovation Centres through its economic development company, Torbay Development Agency (TDA), as part of its commitment to generate economic prosperity for the Bay through jobs and business growth. The TDA manage four Innovation Centres in Paignton, Torquay, Ivybridge and Cockington, providing office/desk space to small businesses from as little as £92pcm inclusive of gas, electricity, water, telephone/broadband rental and business rates. To find out more about renting space at one of the South West Innovations Centres, visit www.southwestinnovationscentres.co.uk or telephone Adrian Sheen on 01803 540 670.