International Export Packers opened the doors of its International Logistics Centre to welcome businesses and charities from across the area

More than 200 people attended a busy business network event which showcased the best of Newark — and enjoyed a special F1 car display.

International Export Packers opened the doors of its International Logistics Centre site just off the A46 Farndon roundabout on Thursday (June 4).

The one-off networking event was organised in partnership with the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce — and helped push back on any critics of the area.

Open Afternoon Networking event at International Logistics Centre. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.

Among those attending was Newark town mayor Lynn Roulstone, who described the event as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

“As mayor it is really important to get out there and see what is happening in Newark because I do get a bit fed up with people putting Newark down and saying nothing is happening, but a lot is happening,” she added.

A highlight of the afternoon came when racing driver Lorina McLaughlin carried out a demonstration run in an ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton B192-08 Formula One car, which she now competes in.

Lorina McLaughlin with Andrew Morris. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.

The vehicle joined a Lotus 102 Formula One car owned by company founder Andrew Morris, giving visitors the chance to see two historic racing machines up close.

Ms Clarkson said: “Our business owner is a little mad on wheels and a bit of a petrolhead.

“We’ve also got with us female Formula One driver Lorina McLaughlin, who has very kindly agreed to come and do a bit of a test drive on our site just to show that logistics isn’t boring.

“We can ship anything, anywhere, so the car is a massive representation of that.”

Visitors got to see the facilities at the host venue, learn more about the company’s operations and meet representatives from a range of local organisations, while enjoying complimentary food, drinks, coffee and gelato.

The event showcased the company’s newly completed 6,000-square-metre warehouse and aimed to raise awareness of the business, which is based just off the A46.

Emma Clarkson, business development manager at International Logistics Centre, said about 175 people had pre-registered for the event, with additional visitors attending on the day.

She said: “It’s a huge awareness objective in terms of the local community. I get out and about at networking events and so many people don’t even know we’re here.

“By doing this in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, it’s allowed us to get to a different audience as well.

L-R Isabel Turner of Eden PR, Lucy Granger and Peter Lawrence of East Midlands Chamber. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.

“It’s about introducing our premises, showcasing a new facility that we’ve got here and allowing family and friends to come and see what we do and how we do it.”

The event featured exhibition stands from local organisations including Children’s Bereavement Centre, Oglesbees Ltd, Seetec and environmental groups.

L-R Steve Smith and Ken McDougall with Clare Sears - Children's Bereavement Centre community fund raiser. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson. — L-R Steve Smith and Ken McDougall with Clare Sears – Children’s Bereavement Centre community fund raiser. Photo by Iliffe Media/ David Dawson.

At the beginning of the year, the business chose Children’s Bereavement Centre as its charity of the year following the company’s participation in Newark Dragon Boat Festival last year.

Katie Gibson, marketing and fundraising executive at the charity, said: “It is so incredible that they chose to support us.

“Their team are so engaged with our fundraising team; some of them are already taking on skydives, they have got one of our ducks on the duck race and there are lots of ways that we are working together, not only to raise money but to raise awareness of the charity.

“Being here today is amazing because we get to meet so many people that we don’t know; it is always about getting our name out there and reaching out to the community.”

Business owner and chairman of Gusto Group, Steff Wright, was one of the event’s attendees.

He said: “Everybody needs to network and it is good to have people in Newark connecting.

“There are some people I don’t recognise here, so that will mean some new conversations to have, and Andrew has obviously rolled out some very fabulous cars.”

Newark honey producer Oglesbees Ltd was also among the exhibitors as the small company manages beehives at the logistics site as part of its environmental initiatives.