Philip (left) and Stephen (right) - alternative

KuKu Connect Launch Brand new Embassy Luncheons

August 15, 2023/Rachel Hargrave

Founders of multi-award-winning KuKu Connect are inviting Midlands-based businesses to join them for the first in a new series of events they’ve called Embassy Luncheons.

Speaking of the new events Stephen Goddard, co-founder of KuKu Connect said, “The Embassy Luncheons are designed to highlight the Midlands as a place for investment, culture and tourism by connecting leaders and entrepreneurs with unique opportunities whilst supporting our region’s ambition to develop and grow our economy and communities.

“These vibrant and experiential luncheons are a brand new series of opportunity-focused, ‘must-attend’ events bringing together a unique range of special guests where attendees can benefit from making new connections with diverse and like-minded entrepreneurs, leaders and public figureheads from across the Midlands and wider UK.”  

Added KuKu Connect co-founder, Philip Brooks-Stephenson, “The Embassy Luncheons will convene at hand-picked venues, offering delicious hospitality over a three-course meal including cheese and port.  Each luncheon will take place in a different county across the region, giving attendees access to build relationships from the wider Midlands – not just locally.  Attendees will also benefit from ‘door-opening’ personal introductions to fellow guests and wider prospects. 

“At each luncheon attendees will meet and hear from a distinguished leader or figurehead through interactive ‘a conversation with…’ section conducted by Stephen and Philip.  The special guest-speaker will cover informative topics and opportunities attendees won’t hear about anywhere else, giving them a valuable connection as well as the opportunity to ask questions.  Definitely no boring speeches or presentations!

“We’re making the Embassy Luncheons unlike any other business lunch offering one of the region’s premier business forums for business leaders to come together, all whilst supporting charity organisations and championing the Midlands as a thriving destination for business.  These friendly and informal luncheons are open to any business or professional who wishes to grow their organisation whilst learning about exciting business opportunities and building their profile through peer-to-peer networks; and all whilst enjoying superb hospitality and a few treats and surprises along the way!  So, whether attendees wish to connect with like-minded business-people, entertain clients, build quality connections, access opportunities to grow their business or raise the profile of their organisation, the Embassy Luncheons are dates not to be missed.”

Inspiration for the Embassy Luncheons came to Stephen and Philip during the recent Coronation of His Majesty The King.  Says Stephen, “It was an historic event that celebrated our country and brought communities together.  It inspired us to create the KuKu Embassy Luncheons and bringing people together to support the Midlands economy”.  Stephen and Philip have also set a charity objective as part of the luncheons supporting local charity organisations as part of their mission to support the Midlands at community level.  His Majesty’s Armed Forces will also be a key focus of the luncheons in supporting men and women who have and continue to serve the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.  The luncheons will give attending organisations the highly valuable opportunity to ‘Partner with Defence’, through the Ministry of Defence, giving further opportunity and connections.

The first Embassy Luncheon speaker and guest of honour has been confirmed as  the Comte de Montgomery (Hugh) who is the Sovereign Grand Commander Emeritus of the Order of the Fleur De Lys, one of the oldest orders of Chivalry in the world, which is presided over by HRH Princess Elizabeth of Serbia and Yugoslavia, as the Royal Grand Patron of the Order, herself a cousin to The British Royal Family.  The Order itself is international, but was nearly destroyed during the two World Wars, however, Hugh, who took over commander of the Order from The King of Belgium, has successfully stewarded the Order into modern times its current members having given distinguished service in field of work, community and in achievement.  Hugh himself has had a distinguished international career in business, academia and in military service.  Adds Philip, “The Comte will be our guest-speaker at the first KuKu Embassy Luncheon and will be accompanied by his wife, the Comtesse Hermione who is in the current command of the Order, as its Regent and will be our guest of honour.  We shall also be joined by His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Colonel John Wilson, OBE, DL who will represent The King and the Derbyshire Lieutenancy.  Places at each Embassy Luncheon will be limited so we do advise booking ahead.”

Stephen and Philip, who were both born and bred in the Midlands, launched the multi-award winning KuKu Connect in 2016 and have built a unique and diverse community of decision makers that span the country, from those representing The Crown, high Public Office, through to local Directors, business owners, institutional leaders, to young entrepreneurs, innovators, micro-enterprises and start-ups, with a collective digital audience of over 100,000 businesses from a spectrum of sectors.

KuKu Connect was the first business in the UK to receive a special national award for their support to businesses and the community during the COVID pandemic and have received, in addition, a number of awards for their free support-service during the lockdowns.  KuKu Connect has since gone on to receive global acclaim for innovation and outstanding events being named in 2022 as the UK’s ‘Best Networking Membership Organisation’ and the ‘Leading Networking Specialists of the Year’ for 2023.

To find out more and to book your place for the inaugural event which will be held at Kedleston Country House in Derbyshire on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 from 11:30am-2:30pm please visit: https://www.kukuconnect.co.uk/embassy-luncheons/.

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