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# I won GM Networker of the Year!
- URL: https://bigecho.co.uk/resources/i-won-gm-networker-of-the-year/
- Published: 2026-10-02T07:44:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T09:04:11.000Z
- Description: What would my awkward and insecure 16 year-old self think of me winning GM Networker of the Year 20 years later?
- Author: Tom Parson
- Tags: News, #colour-blue, #colour-accent-yellow

**What would my awkward and insecure 16 year-old self think of me winning GM Networker of the Year 20 years later?**  
  
It's wild to think how much I've changed in those years. Networking has been a huge part of [my professional journey](https://bigecho.co.uk/resources/my-story/) \- giving me new friends, exciting opportunities, and the confidence that who I am and what I do is [valuable and worth sharing](https://bigecho.co.uk/resources/finding-authenticity-amidst-the-noise/).  
  
I genuinely love [meeting new people](https://bigecho.co.uk/resources/avoiding-like-minded-people/), [building community](https://bigecho.co.uk/community/), and helping people find the people they need.  
  
So it felt amazing to win Networker of the Year at the [Greater Manchester Chamber, UK Excellence Awards](https://gmchamber.co.uk/excellence-awards?ref=bigecho.co.uk)!  
  
It was a fantastic afternoon - live music, great food and great company at Manchester Central. So chuffed to be among the other amazing finalists in the room - it was really exciting to meet the businesses making waves!  
  
Here's to 20 more years growing, learning, and staying [curious](https://bigecho.co.uk/resources/build-resilience-curiosity-and-creativity-with-ai-not-in-spite-of-it/)!

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