A great networking start to the year!
A core concept of BNI is that of 'Power Teams'. These are groups of related businesses who are more likely to share potential and current clients in common and thus are more likely to do the most business together. I've broken my list down in to Power Teams to make it clear how this works!
Creative
This is a logical place to start, as Studio44 is the resident web design firm at BNI Tunbridge Wells. This week, I shared a case study of a client success story with my BNI colleagues. Carolyn Markham of Markham Marketing spoke about a similar client success where she implemented a new marketing plan. The client in question has reported an increase in turnover from £1.9m to in excess of £5m! Amazing! Next up, David Barden of David Barden Creative spoke about brand refreshes. He's keen to talk to start-ups with budget who want to punch above their weight when it comes to their branding. Ezio Taranto from Zoom Films was looking ahead to the warmer weather, and looking for venues potentially interested in his high quality drone video service.
Mike Penfold of Longridge was looking ahead for the year, and telling us of his target to become carbon neutral. I was impressed to hear over 98% of their factory output can be recycled! Nicholas Bryant of Social Media First is offering brands the chance to complete a social media refresh - great timing at the start of the year. Laura Gibson from Calvermont was unwell, but she's keen to talk to big names in property about the public relations strategy.
Health & Wellbeing
Kicking-off here was Andy Barker of Andy Barker Osteopathy. He was talking headache treatment - and if anyone was in any doubt as to whether to refer to him with confidence, he calculated that he's treated 26 of the 33 members in the room. Impressive! One of his great referral partners is David O'Toole of WPA - the not-for-profit private medical insurance company. David told us about the WPA Foundation - the arm of WPA dedicated to giving back, largely by supporting primary schools with healthy living projects. Finally, Matt Newman from Travel Counsellors advised us how his impartial advice can see us protected from misleading adverts online. Time to book that summer holiday!
Property
The Property Power Team is a bit of a powerhouse! Adam Davies of Roots was telling the group about a large planting job he's been working on, as well as some potential new business developments. Aljosa Mirosavlijevic, who also gave a Feature Presentation to showcase MW Solicitors, told us about a busy January of residential conveyancing. Amal Uddin of AU Consultancy offered a run-down of the exotic range of destinations he's been to recently, completing commercial aquisitions, lettings, rent reviews and lease renewals. New member Jason Crawford of Sandstone Design kept us up-to-date with their team growth, with the (very aptly named!) Rose joining the staff.
Steve Bassi of SPB Mortgage Consultants has seen a very busy January, with pent-up demand within the mortgage market and some great offers out there from all sorts of lenders. Finally, Tim Doherty of Dobanti Chartered Surveyors was telling us about Limited Building Inspections, one of his range of surveying services.
Trades
As you may expect in a networking group, we have a thriving Trades Power Team! James Foster of The Original Tree Surgeons is offering free tree surveys to anybody worried about a tree on their property. A little late for the new client whose Tesla was crushed by a falling branch! James Rooke from AJ Rooke was unwell today, but looking for commercial electrical work. Nigel Piper of Applewood Building Services is keeping very busy at the moment - currently at my house (sorry Nigel!!). Steve Harris of Stephen Paul Decorating was advising on leaky roof repairs and effective stain blocking, whilst Tony Field from Field Plumbing & Heating is keeping busy with BNI referrals but also looking to get in to local NHS practices.
Financial
It's a busy time of year for Anthony Kiernan at Thomas Mansfield - he spoke about the four different routes their practice can offer when it comes to issues of family law. Meanwhile, Darren Austin of Synergee has almost completed the final 100 tax returns of the month, and encouraged our members to plan ahead for next year's payments on account. Deborah Hughes of DSH Finance was talking software - and explaining how bookkeeping is so much more efficient with the right tools in place.
On the financial planning side, Hugo Goodale of Casey & Associates spoke about the advantages of the STEP qualification they hold, ensuring the best possible will writing service. Michael Gadsden of Grovewood Wealth has a tax checkup service that indivuduals can use to ensure they're making the best possible use of their personal allowances.
Business
Finally, the Business Power Team has had a very busy start to the year as well. Andy Sadler of Fluent is looking for companies with old Samsung telephone systems that need upgrading. Amber Douglas, our wonderful landlord at Basepoint, is launching a new 'Design Your Own Office' service - which sounds very interesting. For those looking to grow, Lucy Cameron, resident business growth specialist from IQ4 Business was promoting her £300 2 hour business strategy session for those looking to make changes in 2020.
Neil Simmons of TN Recruits is seeing some massive successes working with the legal industry under the new banner of TN Recruits Law - and keen to make contact with potential candidates as well as clients in that sector. Simon Luck of Host My Office shared a story of how an insecure email password had cost a potential client £40k. He's offering a free audit, so no excuses for not getting in touch! Sophie Forrest was represented by Jacqui Falvey, a member of her team, and Jacqui told the members about the excellent Health & Wellbeing programme that is offered by Forrest HR. Finally, Suzi Mitchell from the incredible Taylor Made Dreams charity told us about the Taylor Made Dreams Awards in December 2020, and she's looking for headline sponsors for that event.
I hope that gives a flavour of what happens in the course of a BNI meeting! If you'd be interested in seeing more, please do get in touch and Larry or Doug will be happy to invite you along to one of the meetings, or to make introductions to any of the businesses featured, the majority of whom we work with on a regular basis and are both confident and proud to recommend.
So - Happy Networking - and here's to an exciting year ahead!
