*In person* Entrepreneurs’ Network Event – November 2022

Our free Entrepreneurs’ Network Event runs monthly and is aimed at Gloucestershire-based entrepreneurs and SMEs. Each month, we feature a different guest speaker and a change in theme.

These brilliant networking events offer a chance to gain valuable tips and insights from professionals and experts, and other start-ups and entrepreneurs.

You’ll connect and share skills, and hear about the support available to your new or growing business from Start and Grow Enterprise, University of Gloucestershire, and more.

This Entrepreneurs’ Network Event is open to everyone. If you’re not already signed up with Start and Grow Enterprise, get your free ticket here.

Schedule

09.45am Arrivals

10.00am Event start time

10.05am Introduction to Start and Grow Enterprise

10.10am Guest talk

10.30am Q&A

10.40am Around the room introductions

11.00am Open networking

12.00pm Event closes

Venue

This session will be taking place at the fantastic Oxstalls Sports Park, which is a 5-minute drive from The Growth Hub at Oxstalls Campus.

Continue to drive to the end of the road and you’ll find the last car park on-site. You’ll see parking meters in the car park, but parking is free of charge.

The address for the venue is Oxstalls Sports Park, Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road, GL2 9DW.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements at least 5 days in advance of the workshop by emailing startandgrow@glos.ac.uk.

Details of this month’s speaker…

Paul Bence’s original role within the family run sixth generation business was within their retail showroom, Obsidian Kitchens & Bathrooms, which was struggling to gain traction in their local market. The Obsidian Interiors brand now displays award-winning showrooms showcasing the best in kitchens and bathrooms from the world’s top manufacturers, recently being internationally award recognised. The Group’s lightside business now encompasses multiple retail and trade showrooms with specification and design teams adding real value to the Group’s bottom line.

Paul took over as Managing Director in 2010 and has directed similar growth in the Group’s branch network across product sectors in heavyside, roofing and decorating.  More recently, Paul has overseen a merger of an online retail bathroom business and become a shareholder in a wet room supply business. He is also a Chairman within the independent merchant buying group, Fortis, a £2.2 billion organisation, chairman of the BMF Kitchen & Bathroom forum and became the youngest member of the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchant when he joined in 2006.

He is also proud to be a part of the local community with his role s Vice Chairman at Cheltenham Town Football Club and has organised several new revenue streams off the pitch. Paul also finds time to coach the Prestbury Phantoms under 8’s!

Paul will be sharing lessons learnt throughout his business journey to help you find success with your venture.

Entrepreneurs’ Network events are offered by Start and Grow Enterprise, a University of Gloucestershire project with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Start and Grow Enterprise supports the growth of Gloucestershire-based entrepreneurs and start-ups (trading up to 3 years) through free training, events, networks, and resources.