Jackie’s Networking Adventures

Nyetimber harvest festival – 13th October 

For over 30 years, Nyetimber has had a single aim: crafting exceptional English sparkling wine that rivals the very best in the world. A true pioneer, Nyetimber was the first producer of English sparkling wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Regarded as England’s finest sparkling wine, Nyetimber is made from one hundred percent estate-grown grapes. 

I feel very lucky to have been invited to the Nyetimber harvest festival, I could not have pre-empted what a spectacular day was ahead.

Along with approx. 30 other people I was collected by minibus from Billingshurst train station and taken to the vineyard. The views on arrival were incredible, we were greeted by a wonderful team of Nyetimber ambassadors with coffee in the gardens.

Next off we go by tractor and trailer exploring through the vineyards, watching in detail every step of making this fantastic wine, I even got to cut my own grapes: somewhat disappointed to learn I didn’t even pick enough for one glass!

On returning from the tour, we were greeted with the most amazing outdoor harvest festival, a beautiful marquee with the most wonderful laid tables, burning heaters and fantastic food. It was like being at a wedding, it was simply just perfect, and we were hosted by CEO Eric Heerema and his lovely wife.

To top it off a trio was playing music in the open space, they were so good they are now playing at my wedding (the trio are Super tenants should you wish to have a google, lots of great videos on You Tube).

Following on from this day, I was delighted to hear that Nyetimber won two industry awards in the same week.

• Winery of the year Great Britain 2021 – Anthony Rose, The Real Review

• Wine Producer of the Year – Tom Hewson & Tim Atkin MW, England 2021 Special Report

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber has been named ‘Winery of the Year Great Britain 2021’ by Anthony Rose for The Real Review in their first Top Wineries of Great Britain 2021 awards. Also this week, Nyetimber was awarded ‘Wine Producer of the Year’ in the England 2021 Special Report commissioned by Tim Atkin MW and authored by Tom Hewson.

In the ‘Brut Blend’ category of that report, Tom awarded Nyetimber’s 1086 (2010 vintage) and Tillington Single Vineyard 2013 the top two places respectively. Cuvee Chérie was also rated best Demi-Sec.

CEO and Owner of Nyetimber, Eric Heerema commented: “We always strive to produce the best quality sparkling wine and these two awards are given based on producers’ full portfolios, so represent a great endorsement of our efforts – we are we are very proud of these results. This wonderful news comes as we are in the middle of harvest, our busiest time in the vineyards, and this will definitely give our team a real boost during this pivotal period for Nyetimber.”

www.nyetimber.com

CBC presents MythBusters in association with Inside stories – 20th October

Not only was this County Business Clubs’ first ever event, it was a sell-out. An evening hosted by the man himself, Sam Thomas, of County Business Clubs, alongside Terry Bower and Gareth DImelow, of Inside Stories, held at Barclays Eagle Labs in Preston Circus.

The night was capped at only 30 guests to ensure the intimate style of the intended workshop to be held. The night covered everything you wanted to know about Business Story Engagement (but we’re too afraid to ask).

In a workshop format the team set out to answer all/many of the common (and recent) myths about Marketing & the art of attracting the right kind of attention for your market sector. 

This would help attendees reflect on lessons we’ve all learned over the past year and form a legacy attitude and joint knowledge pool.

It covered the value of creating and incorporating ‘Story’ into each industry sector to articulate and evoke emotion and empathy to their chosen audience. By whatever medium they choose to use. 

The key to this evening was always to have attendees leave the event with takeaway real-world tips which I truly believe was achieved.

The success of this event was very apparent by the great feedback we had from our attendees and the nature of the topic covered. 

The Big Business Breakfast Club – 15th October at Hotel Du Vin

Hosted by Jim Cunliffe, Steve Darby, Heather Barrie and Janella Merritt

Always a favourite of mine, where zoomers meet roomers! This month saw a particularly good line up of guest speakers:

Kathy Caton, Brighton’s Gin founder and MD, Louise Stevens: Communications Coach, Author, Businesswoman, Speaker and Comedian and Andrew Murphy from the FSB. 

Alex Ryan with his top marketing tips, I am literally his biggest fan – he really does share insightful tips every month, so do check him out or come along to the next one at the Grand hotel on December 17th at am. Tickets available here:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bigbusinessbreakfastclub

Acumen Business Convention – 9th October at The Grand Hotel

Running for over 10 years, with more than 3,000 Business leaders and 50 inspiring speakers, The Acumen Business convention return on October 9th at the Grand Hotel. Although not in attendance, I heard the day was quite spectacular, with dancing zebras, salsa, drumming and nearly 300 hundred esteemed businesspeople.

The day was absolutely packed with inspiration, motivation and expertise from the fantastic speakers including Momma Cherri sharing her inspirational story, from overcoming prejudice in 1970s United States to working with Gordon Ramsay to create her beloved soul food, Olympic silver medallist Leon Taylor sharing his story and tips for elite business and competitive mentalities and Justine Roberts through the ups and downs of her business mumsnet.com

Best of British – Bond Gala Dinner – 25th November at The Grand Brighton

The Grand Hotel, Brighton witnessed a very special event last Thursday as the Best of British Events / Best of Bond Gala Dinner was FINALLY delivered having first been scheduled for 26th March 2020. The Charity Bond Night starring Samantha Bond, Colin Salmon and the amazing Dame Judi Dench (virtually) was said to be one of the ‘Best’, Best of British events yet. The night raised a whopping £43,000 for Best of British charity partners – a phenomenal amount which will have a huge impact on their grateful beneficiaries. That takes the total raised at Best of British Events to £118,000 in just 5 months since the return of face-to-face events.