Under the auspices of its newly-elected Chair Lisa Raynes, the RIBA NW Solo Practitioners Group (SPG) is delighted to announce that it will be taking part in the first Love Architecture Festival 15-24 June 2012. 

Outgoing Chair, Martin Percox underlines the importance of a peer support group like the SPG for professional service providers like architects, "Unlike other businesses, architects have a responsibility to comply with specific legislation in their work.  A group like the SPG is essential for boosting the capacity of practices with one principal, by offering a forum to share expertise, collaborate on projects and support professional development.  And our new Chair Lisa Raynes is taking some of that CPD experience to the wider architectural community as part of the Love Architecture Festival."

SPG Insider's Guide to Success for Architects takes place in Manchester on 19 June 2012, and offers 3 hour long workshops covering essential web search, social media and networking skills.  The session costs £15 SPG members and £25 non members. 

For more info or to book a place contact lisa@raynesarchitecture.co.uk

Lisa Raynes is Managing Director of Raynes Architecture, an architect with 15 years experience in housing and listed building refurbishment, she established her business in 2010.  As past Chair of Women in Property North West she has an understanding of the particular challenges facing professionals in the sector.  Lisa seeks to help fellow architects wanting to start up or return to what is a notoriously un-work-life-balanced profession. 

www.raynesarchitecture.co.uk

Membership of RIBA NW Solo Practitioners Group is open to Chartered Architects.  Its members are small to medium size practices with a broad range of experience and specialism to offer clients. The group is a linked society of the RIBA and has seats on the RIBA North West Regional Council and the Manchester Society of Architects.

Contact Barrie Jones to find out how to join bj.architects@btinternet.com

Love Architecture Festival is a programme of discussions, events, training and exhibitions across England and Wales that opens up the profession to members of the public. 

Presented by the RIBA it runs from 15-24 June 2012.

www.architecture.com 
 
 
Coming up to a year old, I've done several things to provide both professional and business support for me during my first year. The SPG, WiP, Blue Orchid and Mentoring.

As I was initially setting up, I contacted the RIBA, of which I've been a member for many years, but not really used and  I was advised by Belinda Irlam-Mowbray to join the SPG (the RIBA NW Solo Practitioners Group. (and the MSA but I'll save that one for another day/year)

A year in, several meetings and the infamous Treasure Hunt later, the SPG has come into it’s own. Not only does it provide CPD, but advice on professional architectural matters and lately an ally who can support me on live projects and provide that essential back-up to clients. We are hoping to update the website http://www.spgnw.co.uk/

Women in property, of course, has provided an invaluable platform, mentoring and access to professional contacts across manchester and the north west.

In addition, I managed to access the last round of the NWDA funding for a business mentoring programme, which I'm in the middle of. Initial business support came from from Phil Bell of Blue Orchid, which stood me in good stead. And accountants Finton Doyle are helping to keep me on track.

So in all as a solo practitioner one is in need of all the support you can get.