Double Red & F1 Racer Networking Event - Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UK

On the 24th and 25th of March 2010 the Lincolnshire Chamber hosted a different kind of Networking Event, and were delighted to be invited to host the event at Double Red Studios based in North Hykeham. Double Red offer a whole range of services such as printing, graphic design and photography but also boast a unique drive-in studio which allowed Formula One Racer to also sponsor and showcase their Formula One Simulator.

Each delegate had the opportunity to participate in a timed lap challenge on the Simulator, and the winners were Paul Bingham of Systematic on 24th March and David Speed on 25th March. Over a buffet lunch, delegates were able to network and discuss their products and services whilst enjoying watching others in the simulator.

Paul Bingham from Systematic Print Management had the following to say, “I booked to attend the Chamber Event hosted by Double Red Studios and Formula One Racer just like any other, not really giving the F1 simulation a second thought. I was a little late arriving at Double Red Studios, but I swiftly signed in, given my name badge and I began to mingle.

“James (Double Red) and Dave (Formula One Racer) quickly ran through their products and services before we enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch. We had all been issued with different coloured badges, with the intention to split everyone in to three main groups. We were all directed to the F1 simulator, it all looked very impressive; you actually sat inside a real F1 Racing car!

“You were ‘coached’ around the first lap, then went on to complete the second lap solo, having your lap timed. WOW, it was great (when you managed to stay on the track). The sound was so realistic with the steering wheel providing feedback whenever you touched the sides, crashed or went off the track. It really got the adrenalin pumping and the second lap went so quick, I didn’t want to get out of “the car! When I was finally prised out the car, it took a strong coffee and 10 minutes for me to calm down! It didn’t take long to get back to the office after the event, I can tell you! (keeping within the speed limits of course).

“It was the best event I have attended to date; it will certainly take some topping! The whole afternoon went very quickly and I talked to some very interesting people, and I’m sure as a result, we’ll receive some new business very soon. Well done to everyone who made this exhilarating event possible, and thank you very much to the Lincolnshire Chamber!”

Clive Thompson from City Financial Services said, “Many thanks for organising today’s event. The informal format is so much better as you have the opportunity to meet more delegates and having a formula 1 simulator car made it even better! Each aspect of the event was “excellent”. The only minus point was holding the event on two floors as this seemed to split the delegate group at times. I appreciate that this was dictated by the available space and perhaps a way of avoiding the noise of the simulator. However, it is a small point in what was a great event. If this were Strictly Come Dancing, I would still award you a 10!”

Kelly Healy from Lincoln Security commented, “I really enjoyed the networking event today. It was my first attendance to such an event and I was made to feel very relaxed and welcome by the Chamber, Double Red Studios and the F1Racer teams. It was very well organised. If ever an event was held like this again I would be sure to attend and I know my colleagues would also visit.”

David Speed, also from Lincoln Security, added, “Many thanks for today. This was the first time I’ve ever been to a business networking function and I thought it was an excellent experience and would love to attend more in the future. It was fantastic to, not only meet likeminded business individuals, but to meet my idol, John McGuinness. Only marriage or having kids will ever top this! Once again, thank you very much.”

During the course of our event we had John McGuiness, the Isle of Man TT Winner 2009, along with Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Garry Mason, Superbike Champion who presented David Speed with his bottle of Champagne.

We were delighted to have had the opportunity to work with both Double Red and Formula One Racer. Feedback has shown that our members enjoyed the different style of networking event, and it proved to be very successful.

For more information about attending, sponsoring or providing a venue for our networking events, please contact Rachel Mooney at the Lincolnshire Chamber on 01522 523333.