Collaboration is name of the game
Shop local has long been a rallying cry of retailers and their supporters in small market towns such as Uckfield.
It ticks plenty of boxes in a rural county such as East Sussex, has “green” credentials and certainly cuts the food miles when it comes to grocery shopping, writes Paul Watson.
Now, more and more, the business community is shopping local for goods and services.
Uckfield area firms are working together to ensure customers get the best deal and the best quality. Collaboration is now the name of the game.
Millworks Ltd, a bespoke joinery and high-end cabinet making business, was set up in April on the Bellbrook Industrial Estate.
Success story
Founders, Adam Hobbs and Derek Paine, point to a success story where Millworks linked up with Working Metals of Blackboys Road, Framfield.
They have supplied a contemporary staircase for a Sussex home. From the design and setting out drawings it became clear that a mix of materials including, English oak, stainless steel and glass would be required for the project.
Working Metals designed and manufactured the stainless steel handrail and balustrades, with specialist glass being designed and cut to create the final objectives of light and space.
Mr Hobbs said: “To me, effective collaboration means jointly working out the critical larger issues, but independently working out the multitude of smaller issues."
Collaboration is not new and can take place on many different levels, from peer-to-peer interactions to corporate alliances.
Amazing
The belief of Millworks, and many others too, is that when business owners network, business ultimately follows and amazing things happen.
Collaboration on business initiatives leads to firms growing and the advancement of whole industries through the adoption of best practices from shared experiences.
Collaboration can maintain and re-grow jobs and the economy locally.
Julian Parker, the driving force behind Working Metals, commented: “This continued working relationship with our companies is about the convergence of different ideas, new perspectives and complementary strengths to create a force that propels businesses forward in ways that individuals, working independently, could not possibly achieve.
More networking:
You may have heard of speed dating – where people looking for love meet in a room and move between each other to a pre-determined schedule.
But Uckfield has just missed out on its business equivalent - speed networking.
An event to be held in conjunction with Wealden Skills Centre was called off last month after not enough people came forward to take part.
Events have been held in Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough and it is likely another attempt will be made to get Uckfield on to the speed networking map.
People in business:
Ronnie Pollock has been appointed technical and operations manager of IXIA UK Ltd, which is based at the Ridgewood Industrial Estate.
IXIA UK is one of the country’s leading independent designers and manufacturers of specialised equipment for the global food processing industry.
Running a business from home?
If you are running a business from home, or plan to do so, Wealden District Council has issued information to help you avoid pitfalls.
The council says in some cases working from home can affect your mortgage, your home insurance, your tax situation and even your neighbours.
Get more information from the council by going to the following web site: www.wealdenbusinesshelp.co.uk or by contacting Claire Moran, Economic Development and Tourism Officer on 01892 602884/6 or email: claire.moran@wealden.gov.uk.
More business on Uckfieldnews.com:
Consultant helps Co-op save more than £100,000
Shadow minister to open renewable energy centre
Building firm celebrates 30 years
(Added to site Sunday, November 1st, 2009)
