OLDHAM BUSINESS owners have found a unique way of networking by embracing the power of social media through the newly formed Oldhamhour hashtag on Twitter.
Inspiration came from local business owners Jude Gidney of Jude Gidney Photography and Lee Hollinworth of Whittaker Designs, who both engage heavily on social media to build their own business profiles.
Now, gathered behind their screens on a Monday evening, many local businesses have got involved by chatting to about each other’s businesses and share events and opportunities.
Ranging from photographers, graphic designers, a local PR company, a sweet shop, iron gate and fence manufacturers to local charities and IT geeks, companies are having fun networking without leaving their own front room.
Independent photographer Jude Gidney, who has recently moved to the Queen Anne Gallery on Uppermill High Street, helped to launch the project after realising the benefits of social media for her own business.
She explained: “A few of us got talking about how we use social media for business and I was heavily encouraged by architectural designer, Lee Hollinworth to set one up for Oldham.
“I need local customers for my business and so I recognised that if an OldhamHour hashtag would be beneficial for me then it would be for many others as well.”
She added: “There seems to be a fun element developing – for example, one week the chat was all about Easter eggs and this week a cake-related caption competition was set.
“With a number of local followers already it’s proving to be a great way for the public to get information about local business, events and opportunities in the area.”
Oldham Hour meets online every Monday evening between 9 – 10pm. Follow @Oldham_Hour on Twitter or use the #OldhamHour hashtag to find out more.
