Keen to connect? Robina Hub brings together like-minded business people

MANY of us would like to make more time for those important networking events – after all, relationships are a huge part of what makes the business world go ‘round.

But as we know, life can get in the way. Whether you’re a parent, juggling further studies, working a side hustle or just have a diary that won’t quit, it can be hard to find the time to catch up with colleagues and contacts outside the usual ‘9-to-5’.

That’s why Renee Polden, business owner and mortgage broker at Mortgage Choice in Robina, recently started up The Robina Hub.

“After a recent move to The Rocket in Robina, I wanted to find a way to connect with the local business community – and quickly,” she says.

“I am a full-time working mum. Like many people in similar positions with family and other commitments, it can be impossible sometimes to find time for networking – which is such an important growth aspect of many businesses.”

The Robina Hub’s aim is to connect the central Gold Coast business community and bring awareness to the number of – and diversity in – businesses in Robina and its surrounds.

Keeping things simple, with short, quarterly gatherings and ‘a real casual, social vibe over a few drinks’ is what the Robina Hub is all about.

So far, there has been ‘overwhelming interest’ from the local business community – with about 60 guests packing out Mad Asian Kitchen and Bar for each of The Robina Hub’s first two events in 2018.

“We had massive interest from across various industries – not just the traditional corporate sectors of solicitors, mortgage brokers, accountants and financial planners – although we have a few of those too,” Renee says.

“There is a huge amount of diversity – we’ve also had people from the health and wellness industry, techies and startups / small business owners who work from home. Having that diversity really makes for an interesting and beneficial event.

“As Councillor Hermann Vorster said at our first event, supporting local businesses will allow our community to flourish and become the envy of others around us, in turn creating further opportunities.”

In an era where corporate social responsibility is at the forefront, it’s also comforting to know The Robina Hub is a community group with heart.

Renee says all profits raised by The Robina Hub’s raffles are donated to the charity Friends With Dignity, which supports victims of domestic violence and was awarded 2018 Australian Charity of the Year. Over $1,000 was raised at the last two events.

“I am passionate about supporting others including local businesses, the community and also our chosen charity, which is an amazing cause to be involved with,” she says.

“One of the initiatives we’ve got planned for this year is on International Women’s Day in March, where local business owners will have a female trainee or school-leaver in the workplace for the morning, followed by a lunch with all involved.

“We welcome anyone who is interested in the Women’s Day event or the benefits of The Robina Hub, to come along to our next gathering and see first-hand what we’re all about.”

Save the Date: 2019’s first Robina Hub Event

The Robina Hub will host its next gathering on February 28 from 4pm to 6pm at the Mad Asian Kitchen and Bar, The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre.

Guest speakers will include:

  • Gold Coast United Football Club’s General Manager Rob Morris and recently signed player Michael Thwaite
  • Business Mentor and Digital Marketing Coach, Marlie van Doorn. Marlie was the first social media manager for BMW Group worldwide and now her passion is helping business owners grow their businesses.
  • Chris Hockey from Innovative Financial Services, who will be MC for the evening.

All guests are welcome, no matter your business size or industry. Tickets are $15 per person, including a drink and nibbles.  As a bonus gift, Euphoria Espresso Robina (voted Robina’s favourite cafe by insideR readers in 2018) is giving all guests a $10 voucher to spend at their café. Plus there will be a business card draw and check-in competition!

For more information, or to mark it in your calendar, visit the event page on Facebook.

If you cant make the next event, be sure to follow CBDRobina and The Robina Hub for details on upcoming networking events.