30th Apr 2012 / 1:06pm
The inaugural First Friday Network Open Golf Event was blessed with sunshine, lots of smiles and some sparkling golf! A stiff breeze made the Cathedral Course at Chichester Golf Club a real challenge for everyone and when Sean Herron one of the professionals from Westwood Golf Academy tells you ‘it’s tough out here’ then you’d better believe it!
The individual event was fiercely contested with Matt Sedgley of Independent Financial Solutions producing a great performance to take the first prize. Birdies at two of the par 5’s helped Matt to a great score of 36 points. WDA’s Graham Youd was leading at the halfway stage but had a few ‘Mcilroy at The Masters’ moments on the back nine which put an end to his challenge. Graham Threlfall of Eden UK also put up a great performance to get amongst the prizes.
The team event was tied with Graham Youd, Terry Bill and Chris Brown matching the efforts of Matt Sedgley, Richard Allin and Phil Barnes. Terry of Southdown Office Supplies thought it only fair not to award himself his own prize so Matt added to his prize haul for the day!
The individual Order of Merit looks like being hotly contested throughout the coming months and Sean’s reputation is already under pressure! We can’t wait for the next event on May 25th.
Results:
Individual Event
Matt Sedgley (Independent Financial Solutions www.ifsnet.co.uk) 36 points
Graham Youd (Wilson Design Associates www.wilsondesign.uk.com) 31 points
Graham Threlfall (Eden UK www.edenuk.co) 26 points
Team Event
Matt Sedgley, Richard Allin (Baqus www.baqus.co.uk) & Phil Barnes (HSBC www.business.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/commercial-banking)
The breakfast network was full and lively with golfers and non-golfers chatting and making contacts. Those people who did not consider themselves 'golfers' or just a bit too rusty to play enjoyed a wonderful coaching session with Tony Westwood on the driving range. "His clear and simple approach made everyone feel at ease, whether we had held a 'bat' before or not!" said Steve Wilson (obviously not a golfer!)
Everyone was full of enthusiasm and were keen to attend the next event and build on what they had learnt. Who knows, perhaps we will be 'golfers' before too long!
Many thanks to our sponsors Westwood Golf Academy (www.westwoodgolf.co.uk), Southdown Office Supplies (www.southdownoffice.com) and Hennings Wine (www.henningswine.co.uk) for their support and generosity in providing the prizes for the event.
We look forward to seeing many more of you at the end of May.
The winning team being presented with their prize by Terry Bill: Richard Allin, Phil Barnes and Matt Sedgley
17th Apr 2012 / 5:48pm
If you didn't already know that the informal and fun atmpsphere at our monthly meetings is effective for business then read this testimonial from someone new to the network.
"Just a quick update on the effectiveness of your First Friday network.
After attending our first meeting at Chichester back in December, my Co Director and I have spread our agents across other venues, and now attend Friday meetings in Arundel, Portsmouth, Guildford, and Haywards Heath. We are also looking to have representation at the Horsham meet in the near future. On top, we also have regular attendance at the 'Second Friday' group in Romsey .
We have found the format very positive, with everyone having the opportunity to mingle and discuss their own businesses in a relaxed way, rather than in a limited formal timescale. This has resulted in us gaining a number of potential new clients and securing quality business on the back of this.
Thanks again Steve and look forward to seeing you at future Fridays events."
Kind Regards
Steve Rackett
Director
Eden Group
16th Apr 2012 / 11:49am
Sue Cooney has been running the group since January and now have to move on, so we are looking for a new keen networker or networkers to take over the role!
Whether you are a new or established business the exposure of being the organiser of a busy network event like First Friday is priceless. Your company details appear on all marketing material and it is your name that will be mentioned when people refer new guests to visit.
If you are interested or know someone who is please contact Steve Wilson 01243 787100 or email Steve@firstfriday-network.co.uk
11th Apr 2012 / 4:29pm
The first Golf OPEN is on Friday 27th April at Chichester Golf Club, Hunston (Cathedral Course). You do not need to play golf to have breakfast and network!
Format for the day is meet at 7:30am with informal networking and breakfast until 9:00am. The first tee time will be around 9:30 with the prize presentations from our sponsors and more networking to follow later in the morning.
Handicaps will be limited to 24 for men and 28 for ladies. For non golfers or those looking to improve their game, Tony Westwood of Westwood Golf Academy, will be hosting an hour long group coaching session.
Further details can be found here. Simply click on the ‘Register Now’ button. Alternatively you can email either graham@wilsondesign.uk.com or steve@firstfriday-network.co.uk to book your place.
11th Apr 2012 / 4:25pm
We have a new organiser James Neeter from Knibbs, an established IT & Telecoms Solution company, the venue for networking is the wonderful, centrally located Wells Kitchen and Bar Kitsch.
First meeting will be Friday 4th May 2012. We expect between 20-40 business people to attend.
If you understand the value of face to face networking - come along - if you haven't yet experienced it - come along - its informal, friendly and people do business!
There is no prior booking, no registration, no fees and no pressure!
Please pass this on to anyone who you feel will benefit from our great networking group.
Everybody is welcome! Just buy your own drinks and food.
Bring plenty of business cards and promotional material and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this unstructured networking group.
