Accountants raise a toast

A Telford accountancy firm has launched a networking evening with a twist and Thirsty Thursdays are proving to be a real success.

ChadStone Accountancy and Tax wanted to create informal networking opportunities for a wide range of businesses, so decided to launch their own event every third Thursday of the month.

Rob Chadderton said: “Our company strapline is ‘A Fresh Perspective’. Accountants can sometimes be seen as very formal, but not us! Thirsty Thursdays help break the ice as we want Shropshire businesses to support each other and feel positive about making new connections.

“Traditional networking over breakfast can scare some people off. Sometimes there is a waiting list to join the group, then you have to gear yourself up for a minute standing in front of strangers selling your wares, and the early starts won’t be for everyone.

“We appreciate just how busy local business owners are and how daunting it can be to get out there and make new connections. So, we wanted to create an informal event where people could feel comfortable to chat to other business owners and have a beer!

“If potential work comes from it, great. But, if not, at least people will have had the chance to get out of the office and relax with likeminded decision-makers.”

Alex Stone said: “When Rob and I started out, the decision to make the leap from employment to business ownership was to create our own security and a different way of life for our families. But we know first-hand how scary building your own business can be,” he said.

“Our informal networking sessions over a drink in Ironbridge seem to be the perfect way for people to make new connections and who knows where that could lead."

Pictured: Accountants Dave Leddington, Rob Chadderton and Alex Stone