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

Rob

 

[top-click]

Central London - would be my choice?!?

Rob

 

[epiphany]

Southerners! 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!

 

[SuffolkDesigns]

I think we should all meet in Estonia

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

 

[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