New business group set to launch in Penwortham
Vincents Solicitors, Michael Bailey Estate Agents and Lime Bar to host March 17th event
A group of Penwortham professionals are launching a new business group with a difference, bringing people together to help support the town. Open to business owners and managers living and working in the area, the first event for the new Penwortham Business Network will be held at Lime Bar and Lounge in Liverpool Road at 9.30am on Thursday March 17th.
The first of a series of monthly events has been organised by Jemma Lloyd of Vincents Solicitors, Michael Bailey of Michael Bailey Estate Agents, and Carol Rialas who owns Lime and will provide drinks and pastries. They are expecting up to 30 people to attend from sectors as diverse as retail, food and hospitality, professional services, healthcare and education, manufacturing, construction, traditional trades, creative and crafts.
Their aim is to foster new relationships and rekindle old ones following the two-year Covid hiatus, with discussions on involvement with community events, ideas for town centre improvements and possible business opportunities. The informal meet will see guests invited to introduce their business and share good news, as well as highlighting wider community concerns, with any issues reported back to Penwortham Town Council.
Jemma Lloyd said: “There is a real pent-up demand from businesses in Penwortham following restrictions over the last two years, and we’ve had so much interest already from those who are keen to share what they’ve been up to. And a lot of people who are working remotely are looking forward to meeting up face-to-face and re-establishing those relationships.
“There’s so many fantastic businesses in Penwortham, there’s not much you can’t do or get locally, and this will be an opportunity for us all to find out more about each other and really support the ‘Shop Local’ ethos. We know there’s an incredible community spirit in Penwortham, just look at the success of the Christmas markets, and I believe this group is a great opportunity for the businesses to work together to benefit the wider community.”
Michael Bailey said: “The community here in Penwortham is very supportive of local businesses and we want to repay that by fostering a really positive, active network of people working on behalf of the town. Now things are getting back to normal we have the chance for people to engage with each other more and make the most of the energy and the talents of the town’s business community.
“If work opportunities arise from the forum then that’s great, but supporting the community is our driving force. Planning for Christmas will be our first priority as we want to get involved and build on the incredible success of last year to help make the town’s celebrations events even bigger and better than ever.”
And Carol Rialas added: “The impact of Lockdown on our business was enormous and we would have struggled to survive without this incredible community which supported our take out cocktail initiative and has been back in force since we reopened fully. We hosted similar very popular events prior to Covid and I’m excited to be able to something give back by offering the venue, space and support to everyone that attends.
“We’re hoping the group will not only benefit people local running businesses but also the town and the wider community itself. There’s so many brilliant things happening in Penwortham already, hopefully this business group can support and enhance those activities for the good of the town.”
To register for the event or for future events, join the Facebook page search Penwortham Business Network.
Pictured: Jemma Lloyd, head of Vincents’ Penwortham branch, with Vincents colleague Jack Andre and Michael Bailey of Michael Bailey Estate Agents at Lime Bar where they will host the first Penwortham Business Network on Thursday March 17th from 9.30am