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The mutual benefits of networking

By Miles Barnes

Solicitor

Howes Percival LLP

NETWORKING is a word that comes with some negative connotations, but for me these are often misplaced. Networking isn’t about how many business cards you collect, how many events you attend or your current LinkedIn connection count. It is instead about building long-term mutually beneficial business relationships.

At Howes Percival we believe the best way to build such relationships is by working with the businesses local to us. We’ve been in Northamptonshire for more than 200 years and have made our name supporting the local business community and its members.

For us, networking is about understanding the market in which our clients operate and being able to use that knowledge to help them achieve their goals. Whether that is by introducing them to other suppliers who can provide them with particular goods/services they need, by having good relationships with other local professionals (such as bankers, accountants and surveyors) to provide a joined-up and effective service on a transaction or by simply knowing about a particular local issue that may impact upon the client’s business.

Like all forward thinking organisations we continue to harness the benefits of technology including high-quality video conferencing, secure file sharing and remote working to be available to our clients whenever and wherever they need us. However, there’s still nothing quite as effective as being face to face with the people you’re working with, understanding them on a personal level and being able to tailor your services to their needs.

Having worked in various parts of the country over the past few years (including Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire), I can tell you that each one has its own unique character, strengths and challenges. Northamptonshire is no different. We have a thriving economy, enviable transport links and expertise in a range of sectors (including manufacturing, automotive and food and drink to name but a few), but also face challenges from local governmental upheaval and the lure of larger markets like Milton Keynes, Birmingham and London taking away our best talent.

In my view it’s only by working with others locally that we can tackle these issues and ensure that Northamptonshire and its businesses can continue to prosper for another 200 years.

So if you’ve been put off by your assumptions of what ‘networking’ is, maybe it’s time to think again and look around you at the fantastic opportunities that others within the Northamptonshire business community can open up for you.

To find out more about Howes Percival call 01604 230400 or email

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