Member Spotlight

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

"Being a member of gdb has brought great value to me both personally and professionally and led to new business collaborations and partnerships for CCG."

Name: Julie Kapsalis | Business name: Chichester College Group

Member since: 2016

Description: Chichester College Group is the largest provider of further education in Sussex. Through our Colleges we train around 25,000 students every year and provide teaching excellence to meet employer needs.

1. What appealed to you about joining gdb? Being a member of gdb is a great way to network and meet a wide and diverse range of businesses in the region. When Chichester College merged with Crawley College in 2017, we were keen to strengthen our employer engagement in the Gatwick Diamond and active membership of gdb was a key way to achieve this.

2. What was the thing that surprised you about gdb? That the events are always so much fun – alongside core business benefits. The team at gdb always ensure all attendees whether new or longstanding members feel welcome and engaged – there are no cliques.

3. What’s the biggest single thing you’ve got from being a member of gdb? At CCG, we are hugely grateful to gdb for supporting our successful bid to establish an Institute of Technology for the region. This will provide university level training within the Gatwick Diamond working with the Universities of Sussex, Brighton and Nescot. Key to the success of the bid was the support shown by gdb and its members in demonstrating the business need for higher level skills.

4. What difference has being a member of gdb made to your business? The amazing network of individuals and companies who are members. We are delighted to have recently started hosting the gdb business breakfasts at our college in Crawley to be able to showcase the work of our staff and students – and provide the best breakfast in Sussex!

5. gdb puts on lots of different types of events - what’s your favourite? Easy – the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards – the must attend event of the year and it’s so great to be back celebrating business success together and in person in Brighton on March 17th.

6. What’s different about gdb compared to other networking you do? The wide range of members – from major corporates to SMEs and sole traders. There’s also a shared commitment to peer support.

7. What’s your top tip for getting the most out of networking? If there’s an attendee list for an event, think in advance if there’s anyone you’re especially keen to meet and seek them out or ask a member of the gdb team for an introduction

8. Besides the events, what else do you get out of your gdb membership? I always enjoy the magazine and catching up on news and success stories of fellow businesses in the region.