Business Biscotti in Stratford upon Avon

To promote my photography and video production services, I’m trying different ways to meet business owners who might need what I do – and Business Biscotti in Stratford upon Avon seemed ideal.

I’d already met a few of the people who said they were going, at the brilliant monthly Donut Time networking sessions at Venture House.

Yes, I know, I seem to be attracted to events with biscuits, doughnuts or cake in the title.

Amy Widman from Everyone Active at Stratford Leisure Centre at the Business Biscotti at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Amy Widman from Everyone Active at Stratford Leisure Centre talking about how networking can be a useful part of marketing with Anne Solomon of Venture House and and Blake Newbold of Everyone Active.

I asked the wonderfully warm-hearted June Irani whether I could attend and take photos, and she generously agreed.

And there was a summer offer on, so that guests could attend for only £5, plus £3 for coffee and biscuits.

The Venue

It’s held at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stratford upon Avon, a lovely venue with plenty of space, and a very nice bar area right next to the river.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
The rather swish lobby of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stratford upon Avon.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
“Hello, can I have a map to find the other side of the lobby?”
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Not a bad place to have a cocktail, right by the river Avon.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
See, I told you.

We were in one of the other bars, which was very spacious.

Becks beer on tap at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Stratford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
I resisted the urge for a cold Becks, it was only 11 in the morning.

What’s Business Biscotti like?

From the moment I walked in, I felt very welcome.

June Irani and Andy Beddow made sure I’d checked my car in so I wouldn’t get in trouble with the parking wallahs, they took me straight to the coffee and biscuits and made me feel right at home.

June Irani at Business Biscotti in Stratford upon Avon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
The wonderful and welcoming June Irani.

Other folk started arriving as I was getting my camera ready, and very amiable chat ensued.

Business Biscotti at the Crowne Plaze Hotel in Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Amiable chat ensuing over coffee (or tea in Sally Crane‘s case) with Rachel Morgan of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and David Taylor of Utility Warehouse.

It was just the right mix for me – a few people I knew, and some folk I didn’t.

Yes, we swapped business cards, but not in a pushy salesy kind of way.

It was more of a ‘Ooh, that sounds interesting, I’d like to know more, and what are your social media handles, and what’s your website… etc.’ thing.

A few folk were invited to give a very quick spiel about what they did, which was a lot more interesting than it might sound, they were all very good speakers.

Ian Boddison from Lets Delight at Business Biscotti at the Crowne Plaze Hotel in Straford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Ian Boddison telling us about his business Lets Delight. I had a good chat with him and really liked how he and his partner Joolz approached their business in a very ethical fashion.
Black Newbold from Everyone Active at Stratford Leisure Centre at Business Biscotti at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Blake Newbold from Everyone Active at Stratford Leisure Centre gave us the run down on some of the many things the centre does. I visited today and was very impressed, there’s even a virtual training room!

I’ve already had one meeting with a possible new customer from that day, and got another one planned.

It was lovely to catch up with business friends, almost all of whom I met through other networking events.

The people there weren’t what some of you might think of as ‘bizznizz people in grey suits and ties and shiny shoes and thisiswhatwedoandwearebetterthananyoneelse phrases trotted out by rote’ type people.

Nearly everyone was down-to-earth, and friendly, interesting, and… interested!

Anne Solomon from Venture House at Stratford Leisure Centre at Business Biscotti at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford upon Avon by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Anne Solomon from Venture House listening to Blake Newbold. (I love Venture House, and not just their Donut Time events!)

I really enjoyed Business Biscotti in Stratford upon Avon, so, if June and Andy let me, I’ll be back.

As Arnie might say.

via GIPHY

If you’d like me to photograph or video your event or business, contact me here.

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