UKBF Get Together?

[Ozzy]

Hi Folks,
I'm thinking of having a little UKBF get together and was wondering what peoples choice of location would be favourite. Please try and choose from one of the two locations on offer below if you can, otherwise if that is impossible make another recommendation. Enough recommendations from one area may sway the balance ;)

Also, post any thoughts and feedback below as to whether you would prefer an inform meet in a pub type venue, or a more formal arrangement in a hall with perhaps a speaker?

[daveashton]

Some where in Scotland and the Manchester / North East would be good!

[Rob Holmes]

I'll go anywhere 3 hours drive north south east or west of kent :)

I would prefer north or west of Kent as my car doesn't float very well :D

Rob

[top-click]

Central London - would be my choice?!?

Rob

[epiphany]

Southerners! :D How about Florida or the Bahamas Ozzy? :)

In all seriousness, Gran Canaria? OK... Right, seriously!

Scotland for me :)

[MikeH]

Whilst a trip to your neck of the woods is no great problem for me Ozzy it is not very convenient for anyone north of the midlands. There is surely somewhere more central?

Mike.

[top-click]

I reckon Gran Canaria sounds about spot on!

[Ozzy]

Mike -> London has the best transport connections which is why I recommend that as the more "central" location, although anywhere between Watford and Nottingham would suit me fine :)

[MikeH]

I do not doubt the transport situation, but a journey from north of the border is one heck of a trek. Coventry would be convenient for one person that springs to mind. :wink:

Mike.

[Ozzy]

RoFL :)

What about Birmingham? Has good transport connections and a bit more central in the country.

[MikeH]

That couldwork for many, we'll have to see where the majority swing is.

Mike.

[Rob Holmes]

Birminghams OK with me :)

I think it's around 4 hours drive North.

<makes note to buy thermal underwear>

:)

Rob (Southerner)

[MikeH]

4 hours! Where do you live Lands End?

[Rob Holmes]

lol - Kent

I have the M25 to negotiate!

Rob

[Ozzy]

Oh dear ... its a hung parliament ! I was kind of hoping for a definative response :roll:

[Desmond Brambley]

Brum sounds ok to me. Is there a date set yet?

[Ozzy]

No date yet, I'm trying to get a gauge for response first.
I also might try and tie this in together with another group.

[simonread]

I've just added my vote for London.

Where is Scotland anyway?

<runs and hides for cover>

[VeryMark]

I would be happy to help organise something around here - we are 10 miles south of Birmingham, next to J1 M42/J5 M5, within 1.5 hours or so drive of London/Bristol/Sheffield/Manchester -or in Birmingham itself - or Mike's suggestion of Coventry would be fine.

[Ozzy]

Now you cant get much more central than that.

I think a UKBF newsletter is needed to go out again to promote this a bit more...just as soon as I sort the unsubscribe bit out :)

[VeryMark]

I suggest setting a date to give something to work towards, see what offers of venues/locations there are, and then maybe take a vote?

(Birmingham Airport has cheap flights from Glasgow/Edinburgh, and Birmingham International Railway Station is next door. Both are 30 minutes drive from us.)

[epiphany]

It's probably cheaper to go from Scotland to Gran Canaria than it is to get to london :)

[mm2005]

Would prefer London - or maybe join Rob in Kent :)

However, if going to be Birmingham maybe we could sort out a car share?

[kyber]

Birmingham would be my first choice. I can do London though.

[Alpha]

I personaly would prefer Birmingham especially as I actively avoid travelling to London.

If neccessary Manchester or somewhere between the two would be my second choice.

[Mark Powell]

London would be my choice.

[Ozzy]

Ok folks...
On an exact date to be confirmed (we are looking end August to early September) we will be holding a UKBF gathering in London at the new Mayfair venue sponsored by National Business Innovation Centres (simonread).
The venue, as I say, will be sponsored by Simon and I'm in the process of arranging a guest speaker (any volunteers feel free to drop me a PM). There is likely to be a nominal fee of a fiver (£5) to cover some food that will be laid on.

More information as it becomes available :)

[annethedonn]

How about Bali???? lol!

[MinuWeb]

I think we should all meet in Estonia :D

That way you all have about the same distance to travel and I can organise the cheap beer :D

[Ozzy]

Who knows where the next one could be if this ones a success :) Bulk booking on Easyjet for a networking and fun weekend ;)

[chris1317]

Aberdeen anyone?

[Ozzy]

Actually, Aberdeen can often be easier to get to that London (Easyjet, etc). I'd be up for an Aberdeen venue in the future.

[Rob Holmes]

If it's in London this time I'll certainly be happy to fly t'up North next time :) (or vice versa)

Rob

[Ozzy]

Ok guys, reviving this thread because we have some news on it...and I'll like your feedback before I start departing with money!

Location : Milton Keynes, Venue TBC.
In partnership with the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, and also possibly supported by the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Who's interested in April/May ?

[Jayne]

Don't you fancy Castleford and we can all go skiing :lol:

Milton Keynes is miles away :cry:

Jayne

[Coding Monkey]

Ozzy, if you're spending money on a networking, people should chip in. If I can come, I'd gladly contribute toward it.

As for a get together, I'm off to see Nic soon. Although I don't expect to come back in 1 piece.

[creacom]

Or what about the wonderful Highlands of Scotland - Inverness to be exact !! Easyjet fly in here as do a load of other airlines.

AND I know someone who can get us a venue AND I have 2 spare bedrooms for all 2884 of you to stay in !!

Perfect

':lol:'

Jacqui

[Admiral Collections]

If I have to travel to see Jayne I will!

On a serious note, I think this is a top idea.

Nic :wink:

[fastfences]

I would attend Milton Keynes. Remember easter is middle of April (15th -19th.
I'm off to see Jayne - don't expect to come back in one piece either! :wink:

Cheers, Nigel

[Jayne]

I think we could have it near Jacqui's, then I can nip and see Nessie on the way :lol:

Jayne

[coxadmin]

I would be interested.

[Jayne]

I would attend Milton Keynes. Remember easter is middle of April (15th -19th.
I'm off to see Jayne - don't expect to come back in one piece either! :wink:

Cheers, Nigel


What do you mean by that Nigel, i'm not scary really :lol:

Jayne

[Admiral Collections]

Ozzy shouldn' t have to fund this.

I'd have no problem paying towards it.


Nic :wink:

[Jayne]

He could split the cost and do a ticket thing and we can all buy them :D

I bet Castlefords much cheaper though :wink:

Jayne

[fastfences]

Ozzy shouldn' t have to fund this.

I'd have no problem paying towards it.
Nic :wink:

Thanks Nic, great gesture to subsidise us all!
Cheers, Nigel

[clairemackaness]

Milton Keynes would be ok, but can I please ask it to be a Friday, that way we can make the most of it and stay overnight (I want to go to the snowdome)!

Also as I work full time I will need to take holiday to be able to attend this event so A Friday would once again be best.

Looking forward to it and yes I would be happy to contribute, but as I am driving and staying over it would probably only be £10 or £15.

[Ozzy]

LoL - :)
There will be a nominal charge to cover venue, food and a speaker with sponsorship to fill in the blanks.
I'm also looking at doing a deal with a local hotel for those who have to travel. Milton Keynes has great road and rail links.

[Jayne]

Is it going to be a party thing or is it all business?

Need to know if I need a new party frock :lol:

Jayne

[Alpha]

Need to know if I need a new party frock

Jayne you would 'need' a party frock even if you didn't need one :D

[creacom]

Well I would do my best to be there even if it does mean taking a a plane, 3 trains, 2 buses and 8 taxis !!

Will be worth it just to see you all. Completely agree that it is not something that Ozzy should pay for and that we should all chip in as needed for the venue and the festivities !!

Jacqui ':D'

[Jayne]

I'm not going naked Alpha, shame on you :shock: :lol:

Jayne

[Ozzy]

Its primary focus is as a business networking event (these are the UK Business Forums after all ;)), but if you have ever attended an event like this they are quite social too. Seeing as you guys will all know each other, I forsee you all getting together in a more leisurable manner than purely business.

[Jayne]

Bit of business, then a pub crawl..sounds good to me :lol:

Jayne

[Alpha]

I'm not going naked Alpha, shame on you

now hold on Jayne where did I suggest that you go naked????

I'm just making a social comment on the females need to have to have a new outfit. :D :D

[Jayne]

I quote' you said I didn't need one' :lol:

Just pulling your leg :D

Jayne

[Admiral Collections]

As always I believe, business first then fun. Unfortunately, the business I'm in makes me a social leper and so does my dancing!


Nic :wink:

[bwglaw]

I am happy to contribute also...happy to travel to a good central location. I nominate Nic to collect the payments since this is her specialism ;)

[ink4-u]

sounds great to me, birmingham is ok BUT as for transport its just as full as London from my experience. All the congestion. Keep me updated anyhow i live right up the top of Cheshire so it would be a journey for me no matter :-) although Liverpool is a great city! Hint Hint! if not i can easily jet a flight from there to London for a few quid!
Keep Smiling
Jay

[Admiral Collections]

Lol @ Jonathan

But he is right Ozzy, anyone who doesn't pay let me loose with the kosh


Nic :wink:

[fastfences]

I wonder if Tazuk's helicopter is available that day?
Cheers, Nigel :D

[clairemackaness]

I think the recent posts put forward my case for a Friday event big time!

Serious networking and then off for some booze and dancing and then late night drinking in the hotel bar!

By the way I bags first dibs on any bare wall space in any venues!

[Jayne]

When do you want my 50p then Nic, oh go on then, make it a £1, i'll bring the hubby along too :lol:

Jayne

[Coding Monkey]

I'll speak on my new speciality subject: 1 week to woo a woman

[clairemackaness]

Well Mac, if your coming you only get 1 night, so thats a problem!

[creacom]

Well Mac you know that all us ladies are only going to want to dance with you !!!!

How will you cope ???!!!

':lol:'

Jacqui

[10 Yetis]

I am really up for this... a great idea.

Anywhere is good for me... "I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can"... now who sang that? :D

[Coding Monkey]

Well Mac you know that all us ladies are only going to want to dance with you !!!!

How will you cope ???!!!


Dance? I'll be getting jiggy with Nic in the toilets. No time for dancing.

[clairemackaness]

Surely you could consider sharing yourself for one night. After all you did say earlier you were going to see nic soon. She can have you then.

[Admiral Collections]

Lol


UKBF members he is joking!



Nic :wink:

P.S He better had be joking or no way am I parting with 10k for a site AND re-branding

[Coding Monkey]

But everyone else is married, Claire :twisted:

[Ozzy]

Ummm, must get that hotel accomodation sorted...

[Hayles]

Milton Keynes, Birmingham or London are all fine with me!

We should all wear cryptic name badges?

Hayles :D

[clairemackaness]

Marriage doesn't stop dancing and an innocent flirt now does it?!

[Jayne]

If any Milton Keynes...we can go straight down the A1 then and shouldn't get lost too much :lol:

Jayne

[Coding Monkey]

Too true. Book me now, ladies. I'm in demand.

[Real World Hypnotherapy]

If people want to meet in Manchester we can use a venue that I work at. The venue is just off Oxford road, near the BBC.

If people are interested please say.

Matt

[clairemackaness]

Claire gets her disco badge out

http://psychicvisions.org/images/pink_K9RXpF.gif

[ebonybailey]

Would'nt be easier to has different events as you are not going to get a Manchester based person to come to london and vice-versa. If someone wants to set up a london event make it known and people can apply to come and someone in Manchester could do the same, if all goes well then after a while we could have one big event. centrally.

[uksbc]

i had not seen this thread before

i am flexible - and i can meet anywhere! :D (sorry)

manchester is good if there is a reasonable turn out or i can attend one of the ones down south

:D

[james eves]

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA ALTHOUGH I HAVE ONLY BEEN ON THE FORUM A COUPLE OF WEEKS. FROM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE BIG CITIES IS USUALLY BEST FOR TANSPORT CONNECTIONS ACCOMODATION HAVING A LAUGH etc

SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AFTER ME IF I GET DRUNK THOUGH.

[clairemackaness]

I think we had decided on Milton keynes.

[uksbc]

milton keynes sounds good - the land of the concrete cows!

glad i have sat nav - everywhere in milton keynes looks the same - all roundabouts and shopping centres

[ebonybailey]

when in milton keynes, it should be displayed somewhere visible, I am a regular and knew nothing about it.

Michael

[clairemackaness]

Its about page three of this thread

[confused]

Manchester sounds good to me, but I cant see why I couldnt travel further south, if people are struggling to travel, maybe people from round about the same area could do a car share?

[IMEX Sourcing Services]

Birmingham..Birmingham..Birmingham

[uksbc]

Birmingham..Birmingham..Birmingham

just in case i missed your point, do you want it in Birmingham??? :D

[IMEX Sourcing Services]

Yes Please....I am really sorry..i will try to be more clear and precise next time :wink:

[Admiral Collections]

Oh for God sake have it in Bolton!



Nic :wink:

[creacom]

Bolton it is then.

Can we use your house Nic ???!!

':lol:'

Jacqui

[IMEX Sourcing Services]

Thanks Nic..

For years I have been trying to find out where exactly does God Live.

[confused]

Bolton sounds good to me, failing that, why not in Darwen (if I can find a shed big enough...)

CALV

[bwglaw]

I'll speak on my new speciality subject: 1 week to woo a woman

Did you not say in a post somewhere not to say 'easy' to your wife...so you are married? are you not?...perjury punishable offence!

*Jonathan now stands in the front queue!* :P

[Coding Monkey]

I'll speak on my new speciality subject: 1 week to woo a woman

Did you not say in a post somewhere not to say 'easy' to your wife...so you are married? are you not?...perjury punishable offence!


Nah, that was to stop calling Nigel's wife easy. I thought after posting that I should have made it more clear, but hoped someone would pick up on it.

[mm2005]

Ok guys, reviving this thread because we have some news on it...and I'll like your feedback before I start departing with money!

Location : Milton Keynes, Venue TBC.
In partnership with the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, and also possibly supported by the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Who's interested in April/May ?

I'm interested as long as it doesn't conflict with Easter school holidays - I have grandchildren then as also daughters' birthday.

[fastfences]

I'll speak on my new speciality subject: 1 week to woo a woman

Did you not say in a post somewhere not to say 'easy' to your wife...so you are married? are you not?...perjury punishable offence!


Nah, that was to stop calling Nigel's wife easy. I thought after posting that I should have made it more clear, but hoped someone would pick up on it.

I did pick up on it because I'm in the upper stratosphere of intellect, but the topic's in Gen Biz not Time Out so I behaved myself!! :wink:
Cheers, Nigel

[Admiral Collections]

So guess we are no nearer to agreeing on a place then?

Nic :wink:

[fastfences]

It's Milton Keynes, Nic. Didn't you get the PM from Ozzy about it?
cheers, Nigel

[Admiral Collections]

Nah guess Im not invited


Nic :wink:

[Jayne]

Is there anything fun to do in Milton Keynes?

Like tourist stuff?

Jayne :D

[Hayles]

I'm not invited either then..... :cry:

[Admiral Collections]

I just don't get why its in Milton Keynes. Hardly central. My next post will be 'Anyone get me a FREE ticket'


Nic :wink:

[Jayne]

I didn't get an invite either, i'm just going to gate crash :lol:

Jayne

[ebonybailey]

no invites went out its a "if you can make it"

I will probably go, but i dont understand why we cant have several one in machester. edinburgh, london, milton keynes and birmingham, with people from that are determining when and where.

Mike

[Admiral Collections]

Agreed Mike


Nic :wink:

[Jayne]

Can you still go to them all :D

We are saving for a campervan, so could end up anywhere...now you are all looking scared :lol:

Jayne

[Pilfo]

Who mentioned Liverpool?

Pilfo

[ebonybailey]

Thanks Nic

I think what needs to happen is someone wanting to host an event in london needs to put ther foot down ( same everywhere else ) and say its going to be here, at this time on this date, who's coming?

Mike

[Ozzy]

The first is in Milton Keynes because I am organising it, and Milton Keynes in the most well connected "central" location close to me. It would not ne practical for me to organise the first ever UKBF event in Manchester when I don't know the area and its no-where near me!

Who said the 2nd, 3rd, etc wont be in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, etc? If someone in an area wants to help organise an event local to them I'm more than happy to talk to them about it after this event has taken place.
We just need a first one to see how it goes, see what doesn't work and what does, and then learn from it.

[Cornish Steve]

The first is in Milton Keynes because I am organising it, and Milton Keynes in the most well connected "central" location close to me. It would not ne practical for me to organise the first ever UKBF event in Manchester when I don't know the area and its no-where near me!

Who said the 2nd, 3rd, etc wont be in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, etc? If someone in an area wants to help organise an event local to them I'm more than happy to talk to them about it after this event has taken place.
We just need a first one to see how it goes, see what doesn't work and what does, and then learn from it.
What about Disney World for the next one?

[Ozzy]

I may be wrong but I expect there to be a price barrier to attending that one ;)

[Hayles]

You mean you won't pay for us Ozzy...? :cry:

[Jayne]

It's ok, Steve will pay :lol: :lol: :lol:

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

It's ok, Steve will pay :lol: :lol: :lol:

Jayne
If I make a million this year, I promise to fly some people to Disney World. How's that?

[Jayne]

I was only kidding Steve, you are so lovely :D

Jayne

[creacom]

Well I have no problem to go to Milton Keynes even from the North of bonny Scotland !!! And who knows maybe after that I can organise one in Inverness and you can all come here.

It is the fastest growing city in the UK. Or thats at least what the people in Inverness say !!! ':lol:'

And that way Jayne can get to see Nessie and Noel Edmonds who owns a house about 10miles from there I am told !!

':D'

[Hayles]

I'm having a mini UKBF get together next week near you Creacom! Meeting Steve Gibson on Monday in Aberfeldy, PixelsInk on Tuesday in Perth... come along and join the party?!!

[Jayne]

Ooh..Jacqui, Nessie and Noel in one day, who can refuse that :D

Jayne

[creacom]

Hi Hayles

If I had known sooner I would have !!

Both places are about 3-4 hours drive from here though - we are about 25 miles North of Inverness.

But next time anyone is in the area feel free to get in touch !!

Jacqui ':D'

[Coding Monkey]

I'd come up and see you, but because of my tight budget, I'd require train ticket, 5 star hotel accommodation + free logo for £10.

[Hayles]

We're doing a couple of bridal fayres in Inverness next month I think, I'll let you know if I'm coming up for them and we can meet up for a coffee!

Anyway, sorry, back to the thread...

Have you set a date yet Ozzy?

[Ozzy]

Not yet, although it will not be during easter period. The date will depend on the venue availability because it could have quite high numbers of attendees because of not only UKBF members, but also the backing of the Milton Keynes(confirmed) and also Northamptonshire(pending) Chamber of Commerce.

[Hayles]

But can the UKBF guys have special tables to ourselves...?

[Ozzy]

The lady organising this for me has a list of venues and a speaker lined up, now to get the dates sorted :)
Seating will be free for all, so the UKBF crowd can sit together if they wish ;)

[VeryMark]

Some of you may remember that last year I organised, with another business owner, a business-to-business festival for SME's under the name NewBiz Business Festival, held here in Bromsgrove.

We have now decided to hold this year's NewBiz Business Festival at the Bank House Hotel near Worcester, on 11th October 2006, running from about 2pm until 8 or 9 pm including a seminar programme.

It occurs to me that the Festival could also be used as an opportunity for forum members to have a regional get-together, as the location is relatively easily accessible from the West Midlands, Gloucester/Cheltenham and, further afield, Bristol, South Wales and Oxford.

For example, forum members booking a table to exhibit could be identified as such or be grouped together in the hall, and a room could be set aside also for forum members for networking or a seminar etc.

I'd like to know how many people would be interested in this. I guess it might also happen perhaps five or six months after the event Ozzy is organising, which feels about right time-wise.

Last year’s NewBiz Festival was very successful and we have had a number of enquiries already about the festival this year. As with last year, the theme is one of new business and new businesses, and we expect many SME’s to attend as before.