The Stratford Business Forum was set up in February 2010 to provide a vehicle for businesses and organisations in the South Warwickshire region to meet up and do business together and to offer support to smaller businesses choosing to establish themselves in this fantastic region and positive business environment.
‘Local supporting Local’ was the early motto of the SBF. The group has gone from strength to strength over the past 3 years and now has nearly 200 members ranging from large multinational companies to local charities and small retailers.
In 2011 the SBF won the Business Club of the Year award for the West Midlands in recognition of what it had achieved in just one short year. The group was a finalist again in 2013 for the award. The flagship event of the SBF is the monthly BIG Breakfast which between 70-110 people attend an early morning breakfast event with key speakers.
Many businesses like to attend a networking event to meet other businesses in the area and the SBF has a Simply Networking lunch or after work event on a regular basis as well as a very popular Ladies Network Lunch.
Twice a year the SBF hosts The Business Show, one in Stratford upon Avon and one at Ragley Hall, where up to 80 business and services showcase themselves. These are growing to become an important part of local businesses marketing.
Behind the scenes, the SBF is often asked to attend forums, meetings and groups around the region to take part in discussions and debates. One of these is the Coventry and Warwickshire Champions and the fantastic events they organise where key relationships are developed and support for other businesses across the region can be given. Events like these allow the businesses of Stratford upon Avon to have a ‘voice’ through the SBF And be a part in decision making process and influence policies.
One-off training seminars, workshops and business lunches are often hosted by the SBF. The SBF has an active presence on Twitter and Facebook and other social media sites and helps promote it’s member’s events and services through these.
The SBF is only funded by membership of the group from it’s members.
Below is a small cross section of our members: (For full listing, please go to the website)….
Guy Salmon, The RSC, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, The ICC, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Ettington Park Hotel, GPB Solicitors, Wright Hassell, HB&O, Opus Land, The Pudding Club, Stratford upon Avon College, Stratforward BID, Hatch Accountants, Orchestra of the Swan and Shakespeare Hospice.
For the full listing, or for more information, please visit the website.