Chamber networking gets business partnership off the ground

A start-up creative agency has underlined the power of networking after landing a contract with an international logistics company in Coventry.

Network International Cargo (NIC) recently moved into a new 28,000 sq ft warehouse at Cyan Park in the city, building on the company’s network of depots across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

It is home to around 120 logistics experts and an in-house customs team who offer trust and excellence when comes to road, sea and air freight.

Phil Arnold, Network International’s UK Sales Director, started attending networking events with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to get to know businesses in the region.

Leigh Torrance, who recently established Coventry-based LTCA – a creative agency which offers branding, design and digital services, got chatting to Phil at an event at the Holiday Inn Kenilworth.

The two met again at an event in Coventry when Phil explained he was looking to procure photography and drone videography services to help showcase the new depot in the city.

That is one of the services that Leigh is offering as part of his new agency and it led to a commission to take a range of photographs for the company’s website as well as drone footage to help showcase the location to potential clients.

Neil Littlewood, Membership & Sales Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, went along to watch Leigh at work and said the collaboration between the two businesses is exactly what networking is all about.

He said: “I am always delighted to see our members working together in this way because it’s positive news for the businesses involved but also for the local economy too.

“Leigh and Phil met at one of our many networking events and maintained that contact and, is often the case, it was only when they’d spoken a couple of times that the opportunity to work together emerged.

“I can’t wait to see the results but I am really pleased that the Chamber has brought them together in this way.”

Leigh added: “I’ve worked in this area for many years and knew the power of the Chamber and when I started my new business, joining the Chamber was one of the first things I did.

“It’s valuable in so many ways but when it leads directly to business in this way, it is worth its weight in gold.”

Phil added: “As a new member to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, we are focused on offering local businesses quality routes to market across Ireland and Europe.

“Our first-class solutions often increase our customers market share which enables sustainable growth for NIC and our clients.

“We always promote working with customers and suppliers across the local regions and communities we operate in across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

“Meeting Leigh and working with LTCA is a prime example of this. LCTA squarely met the brief set out and offered key insights, advice, and experience to enhance the final results.

“We look forward to working with LCTA and other Chamber members in 2025 and beyond.”