On the spectacular
RAVEN'S AIT ISLAND
Tuesday 19th August, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames
(view map) 

Guests will be ferried the very short distance across the river to and from the venue by boat. This service will be running throughout the evening.

Boats for the venue leave from the landing slip opposite Catherine Road. Parking will be available on the night at The Thames Sailing Club on Portsmouth Road.

Please be advised that the postcode of the venue (KT6 4HN) can show on certain sat nav systems as the other (i.e. wrong!) side of the river.

 

REGISTRATION FORM
 
Please complete the reservation form below and simply click 'SUBMIT'. We look forward to welcoming you on the night - please bring plenty of business cards! Only active The Best Of members will be permitted to distribute marketing material at the event. Questions marked * indicates answer is required
 
First name*
Last name*
Company name*
Type of business (in no more than four words please!)*
Email address*
Phone number*
How many places would you like to reserve?
1 2 3 4 5
Please complete the name, company and type of business of any additional attendees you intend to bring.
Please tick this box if you are an existing member and wish to be considered for the opportunity to publicly present your business in 2 minutes
Please contact me about joining The Best Of*
Yes No Already a member
Thank you.
 
* Indicates field is required.
 

 
Network Evening Entrance Fee
£20 (incl. VAT)
Members benefit from a 50% discount

The reduced entry fee of £10 (incl VAT) applies only to current members of either
 The Best of Wimbledon and Merton or The Best of Kingston or The Best of Richmond
and is payable on the door by cash or cheque. 
NETWORKING FAQs  
 
For the first time, The Best of Richmond, The Best of Kingston and The Best of Wimbledon and Merton have combined forces to host a local business networking event in Kingston. This is the perfect opportunity to win new business connections and friends in the delightful surroundings of Raven's Ait - a stunning venue on it's own private island in the middle of the River Thames. 
 
What is business networking? 
Networking is a way to make new business contacts and develop mutually beneficial relationships that may lead to new business referrals or alliances. The benefits include new customer acquisition, sourcing reliable local suppliers, enhancing your business profile, improving your confidence and receiving free advice. It's also a highly enjoyable opportunity to socialise with other like-minded business people!
 
What happens at a networking event?  
There are many different types of networking events. Our regular events are largely unstructured, relaxed and very social occasions. We often introduce ice-breakers such as a burst of 'speed networking' to ensure all attendees get to meet new people. There are also a handful of brief public presentations from some of our members.
 
How do I prepare for the event? 
Make sure you can succinctly explain what you do and the type of business you are looking for. Try to think of a memorable way to differentiate yourself and focus on the benefits you provide (e.g. instead of saying "I'm an accountant..." say "I help small business owners maximise their profits..."). Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and a positive attitude!
 
What do I do when I get there? 
Everyone is there for the same reason so you will find it very easy to start speaking to people. The best initial approach is to find out about what the other person does rather than focusing immediately on your own business. Try to explore ways in which you might be able to help each other - there may not be a direct requirement for each other's services, but you might be able to create a referral for one of your existing contacts. It's standard practice to exchange business cards even if there's no immediate opportunity for any follow up business.
 
How long does the event last? 
Allow a good couple of hours. Sometimes the best networking happens after the 'official' session has ended over a drink at the bar.
 
How much does it cost and what's included?
We charge a £20 entrance fee, with a discounted rate of £10 for members of either The Best of Richmond,  The Best of Wimbledon and Merton or The Best of Kingston. This includes one drink and a selection of finger food or canapés, plus entrance into our business card draw for a chance to win a bottle of champagne.
 
Who should attend? 
Business owners and managers working in the London Boroughs of Merton or Richmond or The Royal Borough of Kingston.
 
Do I have to be a member? 
No, although members of The Best of Wimbledon and Merton, The Best of Richmond or The Best of Kingston benefit from a 50% reduction on the entrance fee, the opportunity to publicly present their business and can easily be found by all attendees on our website.
 
What are The Best of Richmond, The Best of Wimbledon and Merton and The Best of Kingston? 
They are local companies that have joined together to promote the best small to medium-sized businesses in their respective areas through print and online marketing, direct marketing, outdoor media and networking among other things. To request further information, email us.