LOFT® celebrate Dry January with first of its kind “sober property networking” event in Manchester.

LOFT.uk celebrated #DryJanuary in style with their first “sober property networking” event at Love From in Manchester. The event not only provided a safe and inclusive space for people to meet and network, but also raised funds for Alcohol Change UK .

The incredibly positive response from LOFT’s network of friends and partners in the business community was overwhelming after we announced the concept of sober networking in January. We were congratulated for recognizing a gap in the property networking calendar, and for providing a unique opportunity for people to connect without the social pressure to drink alcohol.

Celebrating 21 years in 2024, LOFT believe that the brand we have developed is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and goodwill generated over the last two decades. As a 100% independently owned business, we understand the highs and lows that are often experienced by Founders & Owners and how important support and encouragement from the wider business community can be. At LOFT, we are passionate about sharing our platform with like-minded entrepreneurs, by working together, we believe we can create a thriving community that supports one another and helps everybody to grow.

So, in response to the reaction of our announcement and in support of our passion for entrepreneurialism, LOFT held a thought leadership seminar, as the central pillar of our sober networking event. We invited independent business leaders from across the North of England to share their ideas and plans for 2024.

The discussion group took place at LOFT’s new pop-up social space on the first floor of General Store at Kampus, adjacent to world-famous Canal Street in Manchester. Alcohol-free cocktails by Love From were flowing, delicious canapes created by Bohee Café were available in abundance, along with enormous pizzas courtesy of Nells New York Pizza.

After the success of our first event, LOFT plans to make “Sober Property Networking” a quarterly occasion, that is available for everybody. Because when everyone is included, everybody wins.

The panel included the following independent business leaders.

Karl Considine – Love From

https://love-from.co/

Exciting news for Manchester! Love From, the city's first alcohol-free bar, is here to challenge social norms that alcohol is needed to have a good time.

Whether you're sober, sober curious, or just more mindful about alcohol consumption, Love From is the perfect spot for you. Enjoy great non-alcoholic drinks and cool events hosted by the bar.

Love From is currently a pop-up located at Kampus in central Manchester from January to March 2024. But, their long-term goal is to open a permanent space!

Join the movement and visit Love From to experience a fun and inclusive atmosphere without the need for alcohol. Cheers to a great time without the hangover! 

Ryan Hughes – Mr Investa

https://www.mrinvesta.com/

Founded in the heart of lockdown, Mr Investa endeavours to be the future face of the UK's buy-to-let industry. Drawing from 15 years of experience, Founder and Managing Director Ryan Hughes (Mr. Investa) offers a bespoke five step service, taking the strain out of residential property investment across the entire UK.

Mr Investa, uses the latest technology in the property market to provide you with a full range of insights into potential investments, to help you make a more informed decisions on the go. 

Paul Shakeshaft MARLA, ANAEA (Comm) – CERT - Property investment, development and management

https://certproperty.co.uk/about/

CERT plays a pivotal role in creating vibrant spaces in the North West for people to live and work. As a progressive property developer and asset manager, CERT creates and manages inspiring environments and builds communities across residential and commercial spaces to help like-minded people and businesses thrive and grow.

A long-term strategic partner, CERT has a proven track record of spotting future opportunities first. It has the experience and energy to act fast and effectively, whether that’s regenerating a heritage building, or delivering a new concept for 21st century living.

Catherine Millan – Be What You See Consultancy

https://www.bewhatyousee.co.uk/

Catherine is an experienced trainer in EDI and Hate Crime prevention. From leading projects that address the degree awarding gap to creating Children’s books that diversify the curriculum and running multi-award-winning discrimination prevention programmes, she has a real passion and enthusiasm for training and working with young people and adults to become Champions of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Are you looking for a company that goes beyond just ticking the EDI box? Look no further than Be What You See. Catherine, an experienced trainer in EDI and Hate Crime prevention, leads the charge with a real passion for working with young people and adults to become Champions of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Be What You See specializes in Anti-Racism, LGBTQIA+ awareness, Neurodiversity awareness, and Active Bystander training. But what sets them apart is their commitment to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to reduce discrimination and support them in championing EDI in their workplace and communities.

Their EDI Champions programmes even come with Train the Trainer elements, ensuring that their training is more than just a box-ticking exercise. Don't settle for just checking off EDI requirements - partner with Be What You See to truly make a difference.

Chris Tremlett 💭🏠 – UK Homes Network

Chris – who has worked in property for the last 12 years, first as an estate agent and then in marketing roles – began developing the UK Homes Network platform after he was made redundant from his previous position.

Chris's goal is to create an inclusive platform that streamlines the networking process and allows professionals to reach out directly to one another.

The UK Homes Network is a new subscription-based platform that's set to modernise the property networking process. Developed by Chris, who has over a decade of experience in the industry, this platform aims to make it easier for professionals to connect and grow their personal brands.

With a standard tier for individuals priced at £12.99 per month, an influencer tier for content creators, and an industry tier for larger businesses, UK Homes Network offers a variety of services tailored to everyone in the property industry. The industry tier also provides access to more streaming services, courses, and events, along with opportunities for monetisation through sponsored content.

Mital Morar – STORE—GROUP

https://www.store-group.co.uk/about-us

Mital Morar is the founder and creative owner of Store Group. Having grown up in a corner shop in East Manchester and with a degree in Graphic Design, Mital has forged a new ground in the retail world.

He’s passionate about exploring what’s possible and serving the local community. A true collaborator, Mital has evolved his retail offering to extent to a whole family of local suppliers and food traders allowing Store Group to create the Foodhalls hospitality offering as well as an unparalleled independent and local supply chain, which sets the brand apart from anyone else. 

LOFT® Pop Up at General Store

Kampus, 55 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3FY

https://www.loft.co.uk/

Love From

Kampus, Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3GL

https://love-from.co/

Nells New York Pizza & Bar

20 Minshull St, Kampus, Manchester, M1 3EF

https://www.nellspizza.co.uk/nells-kampus/

Bohee Café

Kampus, 55 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3FY

https://www.instagram.com/boheecafe