We've grown our business and many of our clients over the years by sharing knowledge and collaborating.
Continuing this focus, we hold round table discussions every fortnight, many of which I am an animated panellist at.
Like focus groups, these discussions unite business leaders to share advice and provide a wealth of ideas for other developing companies.
Here is a selection of some of the round table discussions both internally and outside of UKFast that I have attended this year.
Bringing together six of the North West's best business brains, the first of UKFast's bi-monthly forums tackled the entrepreneur's view of the recession. Focusing on how online marketing has enabled companies to generate profit in spite of the economic downturn, employee engagement and aligning staff were identified as key aspects in surviving the recession.
In accordance with research completed by the Chartered Management Institute in 2009, encouraging employees to realise their full potential was also regarded by the panel as an essential task to enhance innovation during the economic downturn.
This lively debate discussed how the travel industry has been influenced by the rise of the internet as part of the decision-making process when booking leisure pursuits.
With price-comparison websites providing more choice to consumers and the recession hitting leisure and travel spend hardest, value was identified as the key concern for 2010.
The advent of iPhone applications was also suggested as a more immediate medium for travel offers and news with social media sites encouraging more user-generated content. Ultimately, providing added value and inspiring brand loyalty was highlighted by the panel to help smaller companies compete in 2010.
Developing a community was identified as a key way to monetise news online at our media round table. With Rupert Murdoch charging for News Corporation's online content, inspiring trust among an established readership was believed to guarantee visitors would return once pay walls had been erected.
With the BBC already an established source of free online news, offering specialised, niche content was identified by the panel in this interesting discussion as a way to encourage readers to pay for information online.
Joining the discussion organised by the TheBusinessDesk.com in association with leading law firm DLA Piper, I was invited to discuss the impact individuals can have on the recession.
Made up of key figures from the Greater Manchester business community, across a range of sectors, the panel identified a lack of confidence as having a key impact on the region.
Ultimately, it was decided that Manchester's business community can emerge stronger, more efficient and more competitive by being positive and forging new partnerships.