Interview with Fiona Colbron-Brown, Director of the EEC Collective
Having co created our recent event, Unlock 2020 with the EEC Collective, founding director, Fiona Colbron-Brown, we have learnt that she has created an impressive network. Since taking charge of the EEC in 2016, Fiona has re-launched the business and is taking it by storm. Fiona is even taking part in a charity fundraiser where she will be shaving her head on Friday 31st July in honour of a close friend and mentor for the Ovarian Cancer Trust.
So, if you want to find out more about the fantastic Fiona, then have a read of our latest article we did with Fiona, to find out all about EEC Collective and how it all started!
How long has EEC Collective been going for?
In October 2016 I was invited to take over the running of East End Connections networking events (AKA GlasgowEEC) and successfully grew the network from 75 attendees to over 1,000 different businesses within 18 months welcoming 45/ 50 attendees each month coming from all over Glasgow and far beyond (Argyll to Ayr / Blackpool to North Berwick). In March 2020 I re-launched the business as EEC Collective(Engage Evolve Connect) an online Networking Membership for UK Small Businesses.
How would you describe the EEC Collective?
EEC is a collective of business people coming together building support networks, sharing skills, knowledge, connecting and referring to boost business growth What is your business’s USP? Bringing over 40 years of network connections and 12 years experience running a home based businesses I understand the struggles people running small businesses face. Creating an inclusive group to nurture and support business people in all sectors and at different stages in business to build confidence and expand connections as the key to success is being connected to the right people. Now that EEC has moved to online networking, we can reach and support more rural and isolated businesses all over UK to expand connections and widen audiences that will promote business growth
What would you say is the most important thing about your business?
That it’s not about me, it’s about the members and how I can help them or connect them to people who can.
What are the core values that drive your business?
Be inclusive, nurture our members and visitors, encourage collaboration, help develop skills and confidence to enable them to grow personally and professionally
What is your favourite part about owning your own business?
I have the power to drive my own destiny, knowing that I created this from an idea from my own experiences as a small business owner. Thankful for the support from friends and family as it’s not easy particularly on your own. Grateful to have met so many amazing and inspirational people who have helped and guided me along the way.
What have been your biggest goals for 2020?
Due to COVID19 lockdown most of us were forced to move online, I saw this as an opportunity to move the networking online to widen our reach. Using REMO a new networking platform that is as close to a face to face event that you can get online. Some said they preferred it to actual networking, saying it saved them time and money and felt more comfortable being on a screen rather than walking into a room full of strangers. Memberships were launched 1st May 2020 with vision to expand the network globally. What are your biggest business challenges? Not having enough hours in the day to keep on top of Social Media and struggle with technology I’m such a technophobe.
https://www.eec-collective.co.uk/
If you would like to donate towards Fiona’s charity fund for tomorrow then please click the link below, and thank you!