The new networking event Dragon Soup in Market Harborough which sees different organisations compete for funding had a very successful first meeting in January at The Angel Hotel.
Dragon Soup is based on the format of the TV show ‘Dragon’s Den’ but instead of budding entrepreneurs it is local charities, startups or community organisations bidding for cash. Each person that attends paid a £10 fee which was then collected and given as a whole to the pitcher who received the most votes at the end of the event.
“The delegates listened carefully to the speakers, made notes and discussed which organisation would make the most difference with the money” comments the events host and co-founder Alastair Campbell from The Ideal Marketing Company.
At the first meeting 21 people were present, so the ‘prize’ pot was £210. Each attendee also enjoyed a bowl of soup courtesy of The Angel Hotel and had a chance to network with businesses in the local area. For the organisations presenting it was also a chance to get their message out to the local community.
After much deliberation, the winners were announced as Amy Kingston and Brian Corcoran from Race Harborough. They have helped raise around £40,000 from their various race events over the last few years and the money from Dragon Soup will be going towards the funding of a new start and finish race arch to be used at their local events.
After the event Amy Kingston commented “The money that we’ve won is going to have a big influence on our plans. We’re both just really grateful for the opportunity. If you can spare an hour over your lunch break, then I’d definitely recommend Dragon Soup to anybody. The soup on offer is delicious too!”
This event was made possible through the support of The Angel Hotel, The Ideal Marketing Company and Harborough District Council and we all hope that up to 50 people will attend future events. The more people, the more money to help local organisations.
Dragon Soup will run on the last Tuesday lunchtime of every month. The next meeting is taking place at The Angel Hotel on the High Street on Tuesday 23th February 2016 at 12:30-2pm. Registration is now open at www.dragonsoup.co.uk
