Businesses from across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales came together to forge new connections, spark fresh conversations and explore future partnerships at the launch of Severn Hospice's new Corporate Connect networking event.

Held at and sponsored by Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover, Shrewsbury, the event welcomed professionals from across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales to build networks and explore opportunities for future partnerships.

Attendees enjoyed canapés provided by Refresh Café and drinks while making business connections and taking advantage of an exclusive test drive experience featuring the latest vehicle models.

Corporate Connect has been created to help local businesses expand their networks, share expertise and discover new opportunities for collaboration, while strengthening links across the region's business community.

Holly Gibbons, Corporate Fundraiser at Severn Hospice, said: “It was wonderful to see so many businesses come together to network, share experiences and build new relationships. Events like Corporate Connect show the strength of our local business community and how much can be achieved when people connect and support one another.

“We're incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, as well as Hatfields for hosting such a fantastic evening.”

Oliver Benbow, General Manager at Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover said: “We were delighted to host Severn Hospice's first Corporate Connect event. It was a great opportunity to showcase our latest vehicles and offer guests the chance to get behind the wheel, while also bringing together local businesses to make new connections.”

One of the attendees, Rebecca Ashley, HCR Law, said: “Corporate Connect was a brilliant opportunity to meet other local businesses and build meaningful relationships within the community. At HCR Law, we believe strong partnerships can make a real difference, and we're delighted to support Severn Hospice as our Charity of the Year.”

Another attendee, Roger Parry, Commercial Director at Shuker Group, said: “We came to Corporate Connect because we believe a successful local business should help make its community stronger. Severn Hospice is there for families at some of the hardest moments of their lives, and hearing more about that work reminded us why showing up matters.

“It was an uplifting evening, full of genuine conversations and people who want to make a difference. The Severn Hospice team brought everyone together brilliantly. We left feeling inspired to do more, and I hope other businesses will come along and see what they can contribute.”

Corporate Connect events are planned to take place quarterly at different venues across the region, giving attendees the opportunity to grow their networks while discovering local organisations and unique locations.

The next Corporate Connect event will take place on 1 December at Severn Hospice's Bicton site and will include a special Christmas light switch-on, offering businesses the opportunity to come together and be part of the hospice's much-loved Lights of Love event later in the week.

To sign up for the next Corporate Connect event, visit https://events.severnhospice.org.uk/events/details?eid=CORCONDEC26 or contact the Severn Hospice fundraising team on 01952 221351.