Nottingham in London

The reason I was headed off for London yesterday was to represent Nottingham – with others from the private and public sector at an Invest in Nottingham event.

Centre Point

Last night around 160 people gathered on the 31st floor of CentrePoint in London.

The location was stunning – with fantastic views of the City – both sides. Originally built by Harry Hyams, controversially it lay fallow for many years. It is ‘of its time’ but clever.

But the event was a real success in showcasing Nottingham. Jane Todd, CEO of the City, Derek Brewer from Nottingham County Cricket Club and Alex Gourlay CEO of Alliance Boots all spoke.

The success stories were shared – Boots employ 20,000 people in Nottingham and are older than Marks & Spencer and Sainsburys – 160 years this year! They have a reason for being in Nottingham – Science.

Jane spoke about the Science City and Core City status. But also about Nottingham’s ambitions for the future – The World Cup 2018 bid and Robin Hood. The new Southside business district featured too.

But there was a theme about ‘partnership working’ – and I think this really was at the heart of the evening. The partnerships between public and private sector, between public service, business and sport.

Derek rounded up with some news about how the sport offer in Nottingham was being promoted through all of the major players – the Cricket Club, Notts County, Nottingham Forest and a plethora of smaller sports too. The intention is to capitalise on sport – for the benefit of the City. More partnerships here!

As for me, I met up with some of my London based clients – and was able to introduce them to some of the key officers at the Council. This seems to be a new chapter for the Council – being much more accessible – which is to be applauded. It is also essential that we make Nottingham a place where it easy to do business.

Like most of these networking events, it is difficult to know how successful they are immediately – but my views about marketing to the 5% I have blogged about before was repeated last night.

Nottingham was punching above its weight and was able to showcase the City in front of a fairly influential and important audience!

There is another ‘Open Day’ on 27th May – back home (north of Watford) – which gives investors, developers and other interested parties the ability to see beyond Powerpoint – and come and touch and feel!