Virtual Poolside Chat, hosted by Marie Widdowson, Commercial Director – Dean Close Services Ltd

Active professional networking is vital to our commercial activities. The SEA brings people together and builds long-term relationships as well as a good level of trust and support over time. The biggest advantages of being a SEA member are to get fresh ideas, strengthen business connections, raise your profile in your own school environment, gain more knowledge and most importantly get advice and support.

The launch of the Sports Chapter was an important milestone – I look forward to networking with many colleagues around the country who run equally unique school sports centres. Sharing issues and opportunities while providing solutions to industry challenges, make this an exciting prospect.

In the short period of time that we have been a member of SEA its already proving invaluable.  The courses are excellent and also very inspiring to see the potential our Enterprises has when listening to schools already very well established.

I return to the office after every one of the SEA events that I attend and immediately refer to my notes, implementing something new or developmental in my department.

The challenges and opportunities around generating commercial income within a school setting are unique – and without the SEA, we wouldn’t have the same level of organised peer support to share experiences, explore new perspectives, exchange best practice, and to encourage one another. The SEA adds real value year-round.

The recent SEA Advisory meeting, the first I've attended, was great and exactly the sort of level and collegiate feel I hoped for.