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15 November 2016
Mike Durkin, Relationship Director at Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking, has outlined his priorities for his year in post as Chair of professional and financial services membership organization, Coventry & Warwickshire First.
“Our members are the leading professional and financial services firms in Coventry & Warwickshire. They include firms of accountants and solicitors, banks, and property agents & valuers. Our business services members include HR, PR and digital agencies, amongst others” explained Mike Durkin. “They face many common challenges, especially the need to attract, and retain, great new talent. I intend to amplify their collective voice in representing our membership.”
During his year in post Mike Durkin will also focus resources on driving up membership, further developing the organisation’s programme of engaging and informative networking events – involving high profile key-note speakers, and building on the already well-established mentoring programme for young professionals.
“Today we represent many professional services firms based in the area but we would like to welcome all Coventry & Warwickshire based professional services firms into our organisation,” continued Mike Durkin. “To achieve this we are focusing on engaging with potential members and helping them benefit from the advantages and opportunities of membership.
“One of those advantages is the access we get to the region’s key influencers, and hearing, first hand, about new developments and initiatives. Through our events programme we visit well-known local businesses and hear from the leaders of successful local businesses, local politicians, and other key influencers to inform our members.
Mike Durkin is taking over from Andrew Smith, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau. Mike has been a board member of Coventry & Warwickshire First, the leading networking group for business services professionals in Coventry & Warwickshire, since 2012.