#IONOpenDoors - Looking forward to 2021!

Last week we asked members of Team ION what they are looking forward to in 2021. This week we asked visitors to our #IONOpenDoors networking group what they were looking forward to.

ION Open Doors came out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kaye and Adam from the team were talking about how they missed just talking to other people about their businesses, over copious amounts of good coffee. They thought that if they were missing talking to people, then others might be as well, so they tentatively started the weekly virtual networking session. 7 months later it's still going strong.

We asked some of our regulars what they were looking forward to next year.

Donald Melrose (Business Growth Mentors)

Being able to meet a broader range of business owners at social and professional networking events. From a personal perspective, I am looking forward to Netball starting back up and the clubs that my girls were attending being back up and running again.

Danni Watts-Jones (DWJ Wealth Management)

I am looking forward to meeting all the ION Open Doors gang face-to-face and having a proper ION catch up.

Shannon Stodd (ASTUTE)

I'm looking forward to going out without the anxiety of "oh I shouldn't really be out" and constantly thinking about social distancing and having some responsibility for the health of yourself, family and anyone you might come across. Can't wait to see my mates at the pub to catch up and really just feel relaxed.

Professionally, going out to real meetings, real networking and real events. I haven't even been to the workplace or seen any of the campuses yet - so really looking forward to that.

Ian Thomas (Gower Hill Associates)

Being busy without all the constraints. Since March I’ve not been East of Pontypool and North of Abergavenny. Up until lockdown, I’d only spent 1.5 years out of 20 working on projects that didn’t involve things all over the UK and overseas - even if they did have some work from home elements.

Peter & Eric (NEI UK Bespoke Travel)

What are we looking forward to in 2021?  A big question, but foremost is probably that we all get vaccinated, which will mean people will be more inclined to travel, which will be just what we need as we have had no business at all since March this year.  We also look forward to being able to open our planned ayurvedic spa. Personally, that we both stay well and healthy.

David Husband (DEWI Development)

Looking forward to playing squash with my squash partner for the first time in over a year. Professionally, I am looking forward to being able to get back to delivering first aid training face-to-face.

Linda Wilshaw (Utility Warehouse)

I'm looking forward to a better internet connection (FYI, Linda lives in a small Pembs village and her on-going battle with terrible WIFI has been an on-going topic of discussion on our sessions.

Jo Juliff (Empower Wellbeing)

I am looking forward to being more flexible with my business and taking the time to explore more opportunities which are closely aligned with my community.

Bill McAllister (The Disruptive Innovator)

What am I looking forward to next year is opening up new possibilities and at the same time allowing businesses to be bold and adaptable. They have to engage in different ways from an individual and collaborative perspective.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? Let us know in the chat or on social media.