More than £4,000 was raised for the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal at Only Connect, the region’s premium business and social networking event.
The showpiece red-carpet event at the Living Room, Harbourside, which was supported by Bristol Business News, attracted more than 500 guests from a wide range of backgrounds. 
Only Connect’s prestigious black-tie events have become must-attend dates in the city’s business calendar, combining networking with fun in glamorous surroundings, since they were launched by broadcaster and entrepreneur Jamie Breese nearly six years ago.
Pictured, from left: Nigel Locker, BUD PR, The Lady Mayoress, Christina Robino BUD PR, The Lord Mayor of Bristol and Jamie Breese of Only Connect/Business Showcase SW and Sunday Mirror
Photo: Graham Godwin-Pearson
Deloitte UK director Peter Woodall won the top prize of an iPad Air in the raffle for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. He was presented with his prize at Only Connect by Lord Mayor Faruk Choudhury.
Among those attending the Only Connect Christmas Connections were Elaine Brown, project manager and organiser of Bristol Young Talent and the Bristol Bright Future conferences.
She said: “I hadn’t attended an Only Connect event for a couple of years and it made me realise that it is a great way to meet new people and to catch up with lots of people I know in a relaxed and friendly environment. Only Connect is definitely one of the best networking events in Bristol.”
Pictured, from left: Only Connect Hostess Sarah Marinos, Bristol City Councillor Hibaq Jama, and Only Connect Hostess Rachel Vaughan-Jones. Photo: Jon Craig
Nigel Peeck, director of N3 Display Graphics – an Only Connect sponsor – added: “Whilst I have been to several Only Connects in the past, this is the first time I brought my wife. She was unsure of what to expect, but came away impressed and had a great time.
“I always enjoy the event and can only recall one time that did not lead to business. On this occasion, I was shocked by so many nice follow-ups and replies. To top it all, I also received direct business from a new contact less than three days after the event. I’ll have to bring my wife more often. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.” 
UWE director of development and alumni relations Emma Sambrook was equally impressed. She said: “The event was bursting with interesting people to talk to and the co-hosts did a wonderful job in ensuring you were never alone.
Pictured, from left: Community co-ordinator Becky Cotton, presenter Sarah Young, Deloitte UK director and iPad Air winner Peter Woodall, and The Lord Mayor of Bristol. Photo: Jon Craig
“My conversations ranged from physiotherapy to interns, via interior design. Interesting and useful both professionally and personally.”
First-time guest Roger Griffith, managing director of 2morrow 2day Community Consultancy, said: “Wonderful occasion, great atmosphere and great networking event. A pleasure to attend and meet such great, happy people.”
The next Only Connect event is on April 8 at Colston Hall following the Inaugural Business Showcase South West 2014. www.businessshowcasesouthwest.com.
