Thirsty Thursday networking event
Informal networking in a social setting
One of the prime attractions of Thirsty Thursday is that it presents honest and forthright first-hand accounts of the challenges involved in setting up a business. The speakers highlight the difficulties they have faced along with their achievements, which paints a realistic picture for those keen to launch their own ventures. Another advantage is that it takes place in an informal social setting where networking can flourish over drinks and a buffet, with a DJ supplying the music and prize draws to add extra interest. Admission is free.
The Thirsty Thursday concept originated from the Business Innovation Team at Nottingham Trent University. From the outset, they enlisted the support of the University of Nottingham for a partnership approach which has strengthened the links between the two institutions.
The events showcase the work of the enterprise development centres at both universities: The Hive at Nottingham Trent University and the Enterpriselab at the University of Nottingham Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (UNIEI). Many Thirsty Thursday participants – and many of the speakers too – have benefited from the exciting range of programmes and guidance offered by these centres.
Hive Business Manager Chris Hall commented: "Thirsty Thursday plays its part in raising Nottingham’s profile as a hub of enterprise. We hope it acts as a catalyst for stimulating business growth and job creation by tapping into the creativity and originality of our student and graduate population. All the events have proved to be a vibrant, dynamic way of providing inspiration and insight. The accounts of entrepreneurial graduates - as they chart all the highs and lows of launching a business - bring fresh perspectives. We have found that many young people in Nottingham have a thirst for greater knowledge about enterprise Thirsty Thursday aims to satisfy that need."
University of Nottingham Enterpriselab Coordinator, Dan Edge highlights how high-profile events like Thirsty Thursday strengthen the ties between the two universities. He says: "Bringing together students from the two universities effectively doubles our potential audience, improving cost-effectiveness and raising the profile not only of the Thirsty Thursday brand but also of our two enterprise centres. It’s all about bringing the topic of enterprise and entrepreneurial behaviour to an even wider audience."
Jeremy Hague, Head of the Business Innovation Team at NTU says: "Some students underestimate their own ability to take a good business idea and run with it. Thirsty Thursday is an ideal way of showing them how it can be done. Both universities are committed to working together to support a thriving Nottingham economy."
