Business networking event hailed a success

Blue Orchid business networking event at Kashmir Youth Project (KYP)

More than 50 delegates turned out to a business networking event to meet and hear from some of the borough’s top business brains, and network with other likeminded budding entrepreneurs from across Rochdale.

The event,  hosted by Blue Orchid and the Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), took place at Unity House on Belfield Road.

Guest speakers included Prakash Patel from Access to Finance who talked about how to raise finance for business, Andy Turner, the Apprenticeships lead for Rochdale, who explained the grants that are available for employers looking to recruit apprentices and Imtiaz Ahmed, managing director of Eye Care Optical who discussed his experience of running an independent, community optician with shops in Rochdale and Oldham.

Attendees also heard from Wajid Mohammed, head of employment law/HR for Adamson's Law, who discussed the legal services available to businesses and Blue Orchid business advisor, Jan Melia, who spoke about the business specialist’s free services that help Rochdale residents start up a new business, as well as support young businesses ready to take the next step in their growth.

Commenting on the event, Zulf Ahmed, KYP’s chief executive, said: “We were really pleased with the amount of interest shown in the networking event.

"The business delegates were impressed with the wide ranging information provided by the speakers.”