A business networking group launched to raise vital funds for charity is going from strength to strength. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) unveiled its Business Circle – a new corporate venture open to companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex – in June. Members have the chance to build connections and attend events, while at the same time making a financial commitment to EACH. The group has already caught the attention of companies across all four counties and a special brunch event recently took place at Royal Norwich Golf Club, hosted by MCB Financial. “We had a fabulous, productive and positive day and are grateful to Mark Burton, from MCB Financial, for giving us this wonderful platform,” said EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “In addition to being extremely useful from a networking perspective, I’m pleased to say we secured ten new sign-ups. “There were more great conversations with other attendees, with the potential for additional support moving forward.” An added bonus was £560 being raised from a raffle where the top prize was a VIP box at Happy Christmas Ipswich – the music and comedy spectacular organised by EACH Patron Griff Rhys Jones and taking place at the Ipswich Regent on 4th December. The cost to join the Business Circle is £1,000 a year, including VAT, and membership includes the chance to visit one of the charity’s hospices. Twelve supporters were given a guided tour of Milton on Friday and had the opportunity to find out more about EACH’s work. Another group are due to visit The Nook, in Framingham Earl, on 13th October. Members have the opportunity to sponsor events at a discounted rate, in addition to being a host venue for networking functions. There are also PR opportunities, in addition to having exclusive use of the Business Circle logo for internal communications, as well as being featured on EACH’s dedicated Business Circle webpage and being listed in EACH’s Report and Accounts. The first full Business Circle event, for both members and non-members (for whom the cost is £15), is being held at Bedford Lodge Hotel, in Newmarket, on 2nd November. To sign up, head here. “We rely on voluntary donations and a key part of our fundraising income comes from corporate friends and supporters,” added Caroline. “This is a very special opportunity to cement that commitment, by pledging a certain amount every year – money that will make a tangible difference to the families, children and young people receiving our care and support. “It’s also a golden opportunity for companies to come together and join us at one of our quarterly networking events. “It will give them an opportunity to make new contacts and forge connections with businesses across East Anglia. “Those who sign up will be helping us continue our vital work, offering a family-centred, needs-led approach to care and ensuring all the needs of the children and young people we care for are met – whether that be psychological, physical, emotional, social or spiritual.” To read more or sign up, head here. Alternatively, email Caroline via ([email protected]), Laura Southcott (Norfolk) via [email protected], Hannah Forbester (Cambridge and West Essex) via [email protected], Billie Nugent (Suffolk and East Essex) via [email protected] or Rachel Mayes-Dally (Suffolk and East Essex) via [email protected]