The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a number of new ways of working. From remote working, business diversification to meet new demands to making sales using video applications, we have all had to adapt to something new. For the Made in Group, we have had to keep our members safe by holding our networking events virtually.
When it comes to technology the Made in Group have always found new ways to innovate and adapt to the changing times. To help members promote their services, share news and network with like-minded business leaders, the group has created a social media microsite, for example.
However before the pandemic and UK lockdown began in March 2020, the group regularly held Best Practice mornings at members premises where other members could attend to network and share best practices, as well as have a look around the hosting member's facility.
Though it can prove to be more difficult to build rapport with people without making eye contact or being able to shake their hand, the new format of the Made in Group breakfast mornings has managed to solve this issue, to a certain extent, whilst adhering to the original format. So let's have a look at the #MIG Best Practice events before the pandemic and after…
Best Practice breakfast mornings pre-pandemic
At the physical breakfast mornings, members would begin arriving at the hosting member's premises around 9 am, where they would be greeted by a member of the Made team to sign them in and pass them a name badge on a lanyard.
This would then be followed a morning of networking and breakfast refreshments, including the famous bacon sandwich.
After members would be welcomed to a presentation by the hosting member from a director of the Made in Group. This presentation would usually involve the background of the company, where they are now and, not forgetting, some of their best practices.
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Finishing of the events members would have the chance to have a tour around the member's premises, with in-depth commentary about the facility.
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Best Practice breakfast mornings post-pandemic
During the pandemic, the group wanted to make sure members still receive the same benefits as they would when going to a physical event, such as networking and learning new best practice.
That’s why, whilst there is still a risk of infection, the Made in Group holds these Best Practice events online through Zoom. Members can sign up to these by accessing the events section of the website and signing up there.
Like before, members join the event at 9 am where they have the chance to introduce themselves and their companies. This is then followed by a presentation from the hosting member alongside a virtual tour of the factory.
To ensure members still receive the same networking opportunities as before, they are then split up into various breakout rooms where they can network in groups of 2-3 people for 15 minutes. The group tends to hold two breakout sessions, so members can network with a variety of people.
Therefore, whilst there is no such thing as a virtual bacon sandwich, the group has adapted and changed to make sure lasting relationships are built within the UK manufacturing community.
Join our next Made in the Midlands Virtual Breakfast morning with Comau on 9th July! Click here to register.