Professionals from across the construction and property sectors turned out in force for the first event organised by new networking group PropConnect.
More than 80 guests attended the inaugural event, held at Bhangals Construction Consultants’ headquarters in Grange Park, Northampton. PropConnect is the brainchild of Parm Bhangal, founder of the firm, and Matthew Abraham, Managing Director of FormFive, which is based in Earls Barton.
The idea came about after Parm and Matthew realised that so many of their colleagues and associates in the construction and property sectors were travelling all over the country to secure and work on contracts, while teams from across the UK were winning and delivering contracts in Northamptonshire.
Speaking after the first event in October, Matthew said:
“The most important feedback we got was probably that they felt it was about time something like this happened. The fact that there were more than 80 people there, when we really didn’t know what to expect in terms of numbers, shows that there is definitely an appetite for local firms working more closely together.
“Too often we find that networking events are quite formal, you’re on a table with a small group of people, listening to a speaker, but you don’t always get the chance to move around and have a conversation with those you really want to talk to. This event was much more informal, and it seemed that most guests simply enjoyed catching up with some old faces and making new connections at the same time.”
It is intended that PropConnect events will be quarterly, with the next one planned for the first quarter of next year, and geared around making introductions and ensuring that guests get a chance to connect with anyone they feel they may be able to help, or who might be able to help them.
Anyone from the property and construction sector is welcome, from a one-man band looking to forge links with bigger companies, right through to large companies working on some of the county’s leading projects.
Parm Bhangal said:
“The atmosphere at the event was fantastic, with people discussing new work, or new ways of working – and lots of people asking when the next meeting will be, which is always a good sign.”
To find out more or to register an interest for the next PropConnect event, click here.
