Speedy chats craze ignites

Picture the scene: 40 professionals engaged in paired-up, short conversations with each other in an effort to create successful matchmaking potential. A whistle blows, and they move on to the next person.

But instead of this whistle-stop wooing taking place in any one of York's city centre bars, the rendezvous is Business Link's regional headquarters in Monks Cross, Huntington - and in broad daylight.

The role of a Business Link York and North Yorkshire adviser is to help business owners and managers diagnose areas for improvement and, where appropriate, broker experienced and qualified third parties to meet those needs.

These third parties are selected from those approved on the National Consultants Register.

Ian Rhodes, Business Link York and North Yorkshire's adviser manager, said the aim of the speed consulting event was to give business advisers the opportunity to find out more about individual consultants and their areas of expertise.

It also allows consultants to gain a more detailed understanding of the needs of Business Link clients.

More than 20 North Yorkshire consultants attended the latest event, covering a wide range of sectors and skills from product development and production, engineering and process management to sales, marketing and training.

A series of ten-minute slots gave consultants the chance to talk to Business Link advisers before a whistle blew and they moved on to the next adviser.

Mr Rhodes said: "While the idea may seem light-hearted, the message behind the event is serious.

"The sole purpose of an event like this is to benefit businesses at the heart of the York and North Yorkshire economy. Ensuring our advisers are as well informed as possible helps guarantee that the businesses we work with gain access to the most relevant information, advice and support."

To find out more, phone Business Link York and North Yorkshire's information centre on 01904 686000.

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, October 13, 2005