Derek Packer and David Jones hosted the first Regional Chairmen’s dinner at LS1 in Leeds on 8th June 2011. 6 branches were represented: Edinburgh, Manchester, Bradford, Sheffield, Newark and Leeds, with apologies sent from Newcastle, Hull, Manchester South and Liverpool who had also been invited. As well as excellent food and drink, the group enjoyed a lively discussion about how to foster stronger links across the region.

Sheffield Leeds and Bradford branches have already organized shared lunches, and these will be continued; and the three branches have agreed to host a new bigger Regional event at York Races on Friday October 7th. The idea is that members will be able to enjoy the excitement of York Races without having to organize a large and expensive group. They will be able to bring a guest, and meet Interact colleagues and their guests in the relaxed but stylish atmosphere of this prestigious venue. It is hoped the venue of York will be popular with members across the North of England, and accessible to those in Scotland; but members from any branch will also be welcome. More details will be posted on the website soon; to register initial interest please send a message to Interact secretary Wendy von Niebel.

The after-dinner discussion was facilitated by Hugh Ross who has been working for Interact for the last 3 years, helping the committee to develop the organisation’s marketing strategy, website and communications programme. He said the key points which emerged from the lively debate were that:

• Members really value the exclusivity of Interact.
• No other organisation offers such a unique group of 450 senior professionals in the industry, all with their own powerful networks.
• At least some members are keen to reach out beyond the confines of their own branches to build contacts in other parts of the country.
• The website is a great way of facilitating this process, and should be encouraged.
• Chairmen must continue to push their members to complete their profiles, because without the full profile data, other members are unable to tap into the full potential of the network.

Derek Packer and David Jones thanked everyone for making the time to attend the dinner, and explained that similar regional get-togethers are now being planned for chairmen in the South East and the Midlands by the committee. It is hoped these will also lead to closer relations between neighbouring and regional branches.

Those in attendance were:

• Phil Taylor (Bradford chair)
• Brian Thompson (Edinburgh)
• Tony Bennett (Manchester)
• Roland Bolton (Sheffield chair)
• Fiona Storrier (Leeds chair)
• Ray Smithson (Leeds)
• Clive Williams (Newark chair)
• Tony Putsman (Guest)
• Hugh Ross (Guest/consultant)
• David Jones (Committee)
• Derek Packer (President)

Report prepared by Hugh Ross.