Ideas worth waking up for: how local firms business breakfasts are inspiring collaboration across the region

Running a business can sometimes be very lonely, that’s why a local chartered accountants and business advisory firm have been running their popular business breakfasts events across the region for nearly 10 years, inspiring and motivating business leaders over breakfast and providing a valuable opportunity for networking in the local business community. 

Becky Ames, partner at Larking Gowen, who champion collaboration - the inspiration behind creating these breakfasts - said the events in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk attract audiences from a range of sectors who are drawn by top quality speakers and the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with like-minded business leaders.

“We’ve had a very successful start to the year with a strong selection of speakers. Many of our guests return again and again, and we also see a lot of new faces each time. For our audiences it’s a great way to start the day, with good company and the chance to network with like-minded people. They also get to hear an inspiring speaker and take away themes and practical ideas that can be put into practice in their business” she said.

Graham Lawes, of Lawes Consultants, has been attending Larking Gowen business breakfast events for the past eight years.

“The speakers are always interesting; there is always something to take away. The audience is well-informed and the team at Larking Gowen add value. It’s good mix of professionals and business owners, but there’s no pressure, and you become part of the Larking Gowen community. There are always one or two people at every table I know.”

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is the next big name to feature at their June events in Norfolk and Essex. Eddie rose to fame as the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. His courage and perseverance against the odds were immortalised in film in the award-winning biographical comedy, Eddie the Eagle starring Hugh Jackman, in 2016. 

He continues to inspire audiences with his story of wit and determination, and will present on resilience and motivation, and how we can apply his lived experiences to our working environments. 

Roger Fairs, Managing Director at Tey Farms Systems, said that for him the main attraction of these events is often the speaker.

“For the next event with Eddie the Eagle, I’m going to get a table with some friends and turn it into a social event.

“When we attend these events, we find out that, although we are different businesses, we all face the same challenges. Talking things through with like-minded people helps to re-focus your mind, and reminds you that you’re not alone. If you come away with just one piece of information, then it’s been good value.”

So far this year, other speakers across the events have included occupational health specialist Hilary Horton - who related experiences from her incredibly challenging and varied career. After 25 years in the NHS rising to senior clinical working roles, she moved to HM Prison Service where she became head of women’s health. In 2002 she joined the RAF and commanded a medical outpost in the desert during the Iraq War.

Confidence coach and magician Ricky Locke appeared at the Suffolk event at Milsom’s Kesgrave Hall in March with a mixture of inspiration, instruction and comedy all infused with a bit of magic.

“For me, leaving a career to pursue my dream of running my own business was about stepping out of my comfort zone, and this is what I ask the audience to do. People are always looking for inspiration. I want to help people unlock the best version of themselves and create lives they truly love,” Ricky said.

Charlotte Giddings, of online bakery Brownie and the Bean, has been attending the events for several years. 

“One of the great things about it is the calibre of people. You often see the same people and always meet new people. It has led to lasting friendships and partnerships.

“The speakers are big on self-improvement. I love starting the day with something inspirational, something you can directly apply to your business.”

Kevin Ward, CFO at Conatus Financial Solutions, said he has got to know the team at Larking Gowen well.

“Larking Gowen have the right ethics and approach to business. It’s around supporting people and doing the right thing. You meet some good people and that is value in itself. I always bring a guest, and they pick up something valuable which reflects well on me.”

Dawn Lay-Flurrie, Essex-based partner for Larking Gowen, said the events were a good investment for the audience, both personally and professionally, in terms of relationship building and what they took away from the speakers.

For more information and to book your place at their upcoming June events go to larking-gowen.co.uk/events