Valuable nuggets of business wisdom were shared with a packed audience at the Lakeside Hotel, in Wootton Bridge, on Tuesday evening when business advisor, Dale Howarth, held his biennial free event for local business leaders, this year called ‘Just One Thing’.

After an hour of networking, just under 100 delegates settled down to hear from some of the Island’s best businessmen and women about the ‘One Thing’ they wish they had known at the start of their professional journeys.

There were some fascinating insights. Wightlink’s John Irvine, who says, “Look after your people and they will look after you,” revealed he encourages his team to think about career moves away from the company, and even pays for training to enhance their CVs. Far from losing key members of staff, he showed a short film, featuring employees singing the praises of working at the firm, describing it as “one big happy family.”

James Thorn advised resolving disputes quickly to avoid hefty legal fees. As a solicitor, specialising in family law at Eldridges, his advice was persuasive despite coming from an unexpected source.

Dale Howarth himself shared valuable wisdom, presenting a “formula for success”. He emphasised that most businesses already possess what they need to succeed, but need to identify their goals by asking key questions and then stick to their decisions.

Geoff Underwood, boss of IFPL, recounted how he dreamt up a remote control lawn mower long before they existed – a concept he considered much more successful than his idea for a remote control ear wiggler, but who knows what the future holds?

Speaking after the event, Dale said he was pleased with the reception. “It was amazing, people seemed to be really looking forward to being part of ‘Just One Thing’. I could sense they felt it was going to be a little different and more rewarding.

“People loved the hour of dedicated networking and the chance to meet the sponsors, catch up with existing and old contacts, and make new friends.”