AN award-winning business networking event has celebrated its first anniversary.
Thirsty Thursday, based in Stokesley, has been holding regular but informal get-togethers for the area’s business community for one year. More than 150 local businesses have taken part.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak attended the anniversary event held at its regular meeting point, The Mill pub in Stokesley.
Mr Sunak praised co-founders Sue Thompson and Anna Addison for creating Thirsty Thursday.
He said: “My background is in business so I know how important it can be to network with other members of the business community and to bounce ideas off each other.
“Running a business, particularly a small business, can be a lonely job so it’s important to have a way of sharing views and coming together with other people facing similar issues.
“Sue and Anna have done a great job in establishing the event and maintaining its momentum.”
Thirsty Thursday has received financial support from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership towards the creation of its website.
It has also been supported by Hambleton District Council and earlier this year was shortlisted in the Hambleton Business Awards as a champion of business in the district.
Anna Addison said some really useful ideas had originated in the Thirsty Thursday get-togethers. A example was the first Stokesley Food Week which was first discussed at one of The Mill meetings.
The meetings are free and held at the end of the working day. Attendees are invited to take part in a prize draw with proceeds going to local charities.
Sue Thompson said: “It’s amazing to think that what started as the two of us deciding to meet for a drink to discuss our businesses has turned into a regular event that has attracted hundreds of companies and supported many people as they establish and grow.
“We’ve had some great support from our local community, the team at The Mill and now also our local MP.”
The next Thirsty Thursday meeting is at The Mill, Stokesley, on Thursday, January 28, 2016, between 5-7pm. More details at www.thirstythursdaystokesley.co.uk.