The RoyaL Society of Arts (RSA) has recently published a new article about the activities of their Frome branch, which runs free events open to all, and is seen by some as a model regional network of the philanthropic society:
RSA Frome has confirmed their speakers for the next event on Thursday 17th January, which will be the biggest so far – a large-scale gathering to support community groups, social enterprises, entrepreneurs, and other local organisations by helping them make the most of emerging trends that bring both challenges and opportunities.
Local RSA Fellows Keith Harrison-Broninski, Brett Sadler, and Joss Green-Armytage have assembled a number of industry experts in topics including Brexit, finance, technology, marketing, sales, partnerships and staffing. As well as short talks, there will be informal discussions and the chance to get direct feedback that helps participants take advantage of the changes ahead.
Experts appearing include the following:-
Brexit: Rob Perks, CEO of Inspire and a Ministerial advisor on how Government policy impacts businesses.
Finance: Toby Jones, commercial director of Start Point Finance, an intermediary company offering a full range of financial solutions to businesses and social enterprises.
Technology: Sandra Norval, CEO of Bluedotaug Ltd (a new AR/VR startup that has won significant funding from Innovate UK).
Marketing and Sales: Claire Menzies, executive chairman of Blue Flint Group, who has 30 years diverse creative and management expertise of industrial design, sustainability, marketing and business strategy.
Staffing: Jane Ginnever, deputy chair of Bristol’s Women in Business Taskforce, non-executive director of Ashley Community Housing, mentor for the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator Hub, and part of the group Reinventing Work: Bristol. Jane’s own consultancy Shift is focused on agile working and worker autonomy.
Partnering: Peter Macfadyen, who has worked in areas of social justice for 40 years. A consummate networker, he is constantly looking to find ways of bringing people and organisations together. Peter founded Sustainable Frome, is a director of Frome’s Renewable Energy Co-op, and has been pivotal from the start in Independents for Frome and the flatpack democracy movement.
More speakers will be announced in due course.
Keith Harrison-Broninski was asked to set up RSA Frome in 2016 as the local branch of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, a philanthropic institution started in 1754 with the mission to enrich society through ideas and action. The RSA has always been committed to public education, environmental issues, helping women into work, and encouraging good design, and brings people together across the globe to find practical solutions to social challenges.
The event on Thursday 17th January will be held in the traditional setting of Knoll Hill Farm, Trudoxhill, and is very much in line with the RSA’s current mission of 21st Century enlightenment. The event is entirely free of charge, including hot food (veg or meat options) and live music from local celtic band Crossing the Rockies, and will give people the knowledge and tools to help them thrive in these changing times. You can reserve your place now using the ticket link at www.facebook .com/events/2253334194923474, and spaces are limited, so it is first-come first-served.
The free event will be held at Knoll Hill Farm, Trudoxhill, Frome BA11 5DP on Thursday 17th January at 6.30pm. Tickets: www.facebook.com/events/2253334194923474
For more information, please contact Keith Harrison-Broninski (keith@harrison-broninski.info) or Brett Sadler (brett@thetitanicfactor.org).
Above: Some attendees at an RSA Frome event.
