Fenland Networking Breakfast: Building a Brighter Future for Fenlands

Last month, over 70 people, including business leaders, educators, local authorities, and community organisations, gathered at the March Golf Club for the inaugural Fenland Networking Breakfast, which included a breakfast buffet for all in attendance. The event, hosted by Rachel Hales from Get Synergised, focused on building a brighter future for Fenland through collaborative partnerships across Fenland’s many sectors. The goal was clear: to explore innovative ways to shape the future workforce of Fenland and drive sustainable economic growth.

Mark Freeman’s Vision for Volunteering in Fenland

Mark Freeman, CEO of Cambridge County for Voluntary Services (CCVS), kicked off the event with a presentation on the critical role that volunteering plays in the region. He pointed out that only 9% of the Fenland population is actively engaged in civic roles such as being a local councillor or volunteering.

We need the other 91% of the community to get involved,

he urged. Freeman stressed that volunteering isn’t just beneficial for the recipients; it also provides a sense of purpose and belonging for those who give their time. He encouraged the businesses in attendance to think about how they can support and inspire their teams to volunteer.

Rachel Hales, the event host, expressed her enthusiasm, saying,

It was truly inspiring to see the passion and energy at the first event of its kind, with a desire for greater cross-sector collaboration and a shared ambition to transform Fenland’s social and economic landscape.

She highlighted that Fenland is already home to many remarkable initiatives, but there’s a need to connect the dots more effectively. By sharing resources and working together strategically, Hales believes the community can ensure that everyone knows how to get involved, stay informed about ongoing initiatives, and collectively create a more meaningful and sustainable impact. She emphasised that this collaborative approach is the responsible and effective way to do business, driving the community forward and building a brighter future for all.

Marija’s Passion for Supporting Fenland’s Youth

Marija Lysak, Fenland Development Officer at Hunts Forum, passionately shared her journey and the ways she has contributed to the region, particularly through the Support Fenland project. She emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for young people to volunteer and gain work experience.

We don’t want Fenland to be the forgotten area left behind,

she stated. Marija also highlighted the need to educate young people on the value of volunteering, not just for their personal growth, but for the betterment of the community.

The event then moved into a lively discussion about bridging the gap between education and employment. Attendees discussed how there is a need for greater engagement with local schools to guide students towards the careers they aspire to. It was emphasised that building strong relationships between schools and businesses could help better prepare young people for the workforce.

A Vision for a More Ambitious Fenland

The conversation shifted towards the larger goal of making Fenland a more ambitious and forward-thinking community. Simon Jackson of Fenland District Council reflected on how Fenland had not progressed much in the past 30 years and questioned whether local efforts had been sufficient.

Are we not ambitious enough?

he asked.

Can we set higher goals?

Jackson suggested that while progress may seem slow, setting ambitious targets and continuing to strive for improvement would lead to meaningful changes over time.

As the event ended, one message stood out: for Fenland to truly thrive, ambition, collaboration, and long-term commitment are crucial. These efforts will fuel the region’s continued growth, ensuring that both current and future generations can live, work, and succeed in this unique and vibrant community. The conversations sparked during the Fenland Networking Breakfast have shown that a unified approach is essential to tackling the challenges ahead.