The University of Brighton held a special event on Thursday 21st January to celebrate the success of Profitnet; an innovative peer to peer business support programme they have developed for small and medium sized enterprises and the first of its kind in the UK.
The event marked the last twelve months of the programme and acknowledged the achievements and champions amongst the Profitnet groups in Sussex with four member awards, which were presented alongside film footage showcasing the winner’s accomplishments. The awards criteria was based on practical application of the knowledge transfer and peer collaboration that has taken place amongst the network over the last year, to real life business development, innovation and growth.
Peter Jenkins, Managing Director of e-Advantage Solutions Ltd was presented with the Profitnet Hero award.
The event was attended by over two hundred guests including individuals from a diverse range of businesses and organisations. These included Celia Barlow, Labour MP for Hove & Portslade, senior representatives from Brighton & Hove City Council and the South East Development Agency (SEEDA) and University of Brighton Governors.
The evening also featured an inspiring keynote address from University of Brighton honorary graduate and global entrepreneur, Marc Koska, inventor of the K1, one use syringe and founder of the Safe Point Trust. He commented: “Bringing the whole business community together, Profitnet recognise the importance of communication and knowledge. These awards actively celebrate members who have achieved outstanding results.”
Since its inception in 2004, the Profitnet programme has helped over 600 hundred businesses in the UK, Ireland and South Africa. This unique learning network fosters peer to peer learning and drives innovation, by allowing its members to exchange knowledge and experience, while tapping into the specialist resources and expertise of the University.