Speed-networking, a spin on speed-dating, was used recently at an evening reception held at Westminster College to put local business leaders in touch with community groups.

Organised by Cambridge Business Community Action Network (CBCAN), the evening saw almost 100 people in attendance, representing a range of businesses, charities, partnerships, and educational institutes, including the University of Cambridge.

Guests were warmly welcomed by Terry Holloway of Marshall, Cambridge and CBCAN Chairman, and then given 10 minutes to ‘speed-date’ others at 2 minute intervals.

"The evening reception was a chance to network with other companies and community organisations, to hear about company-community partnerships in our area, to find out why local companies want to engage with the community, and to learn more about CBCAN,” Terry explained.

After the speed-dating there was time to have a more relaxed exchange and to follow up any interesting leads over drinks and nibbles.

Some of those leads ended in action on the night, with an educational charity being promised a computer, St John Ambulance receiving £1000 and a legal firm taking on board a number of ideas for voluntary activities for their staff.

CBCAN was set up and is run by the University of Cambridge and is a network of locally based businesses actively working to combat social exclusion in the greater Cambridge area.

Activities include sponsorship, fundraising, staff volunteering, educational initiatives, supporting disadvantaged people in the workplace, and pro bono work for voluntary and community groups.

“CBCAN engages in these activities not only because we believe it is our duty as ‘good corporate citizens’ but also because there is a strong business case to do so,” Terry Holloway explained.

The event took place on 28 September and was sponsored by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

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