The partnership allows organisations to showcase their work to those in the world of business
A Scottish networking club, Love Your Business, has launched an appeal for a new charity partner.
The club has launched the search following a year of supporting Support in Mind Scotland, which helps people affected by mental illness, to raise awareness and funds through its monthly networking events, which currently runs online.
Love Your Business was founded in 2018 by Michelle Brown, founder of PR agency, Michelle Brown PR, to help businesses to build their network, share contacts and referrals, find collaboration opportunities and socialise, which has become even more important for businesses impacted by Covid-19.
Formerly held at Black Ivy Hotel and Bar in Edinburgh, the club pivoted after the first lockdown in March 2020 and changed its model to run online on the last Thursday of the month.
It continues to feature a host of inspiring speakers, including Chris van der Kuyl, co-founder of 4J Studios, the developer behind Minecraft Console Editions and the entrepreneurial couple who appeared in Dragons’ Den, Ross and Kristen Hunter, founders of luxury pod accommodation business, Armadilla, Whisky Frames and Barrelsmiths.
In 2019, Love Your Business launched its Charity Partnership Programme with the aim of supporting a different charity every year with funds from a percentage of ticket sales and help to raise awareness with PR and marketing support.
The inaugural charity in 2019 was Scotland's only secondary breast cancer charity, Make 2nds Count, a patient and family focused charity based in Edinburgh dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer, which was founded by Lisa Fleming who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2018.
Brown said: “This month we are delighted to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Love Your Business networking club and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, particularly last year when many of us had big changes to make in our businesses.
“The aim since January 2018, which continues today, is to help businesses build their network, share contacts and referrals, find collaboration opportunities and meet people which has become even more important for so many businesses over the last nine months.
“The aim is also to support a new charity every year to help raise funds and awareness, which is why we are appealing to charities to get in touch if they would like to be our new charity partner and follow in the footsteps of Make 2nds Count and Support in Mind Scotland, which have both been an honour to support.”
Colin Leslie, fundraising manager at Support in Mind Scotland, said: "Support in Mind Scotland is so grateful to Michelle Brown and all connected with Love Your Business for their support during 2020.
“LYB has been a great platform for us to showcase our work and bring attention to important mental health issues and how they relate to life, business and the workplace. It has also allowed us to forge a number of lasting working relationships.
“2020 was a difficult, challenging year like no other, but Michelle and her team and the people who have attended have shown great kindness and community spirit towards the charity throughout. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time as charity partners and would encourage other organisations to follow in our footsteps.”
This year Love Your Business will continue to run online on the last Thursday of every month from 11am till noon with more inspiring speakers lined up and great networking opportunities in the breakout rooms. The next event is on Thursday 28 January. Tickets are £5 plus booking fee.
For more information on how to apply, email michelle@michellebrownpr.com. The deadline for submissions is 25 January 2021.
