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Northamptonshire's biggest business networking organisation, BNI, is now five years old - and members past and present of the county's first BNI chapter marked the occassion with a special celebration at Kelmarsh Hall.
BBC sports presenter Garry Richardson was the guest of honour, as over 60 local businessmen and women swapped stories of how joining BNI Collingtree had benefited them since its launch in 1999.
Six of the founder members are still going strong today: Philip Walding, of accountants Moore Stephens, Michael Markham of Stanair Industrial Doors, Alan Andrews of Abbey, financial adviser Mark Maryon, IT specialist Martin White and Colin Brett, of Bretts Printers in Wellingborough. And all agree that being part of BNI has boosted their business over the past half decade.
"Most of my business comes either directly or indirectly from being a member of BNI," said Martin White, who runs White Solutions, offering computer and IT support. "But it's not just about getting business, its about representing fellow BNI members and helping get them business in return - we all act as sales representatives for each other, and it's a very successful formula."
BNI is a worldwide organisation started in the United States 19 years ago, and spread over to the UK 10 years ago. Members meet once a week, and have a minute to promote their business. Each week, one member has a 10 minute slot to go more in depth, and before the meeting closes, referrals are passed around the table.
In Northamptonshire, there are BNI chapters in Corby, Kettering, Daventry, Wellingborough and two in Northampton. Collingtree, with a membership of 43, is one of the biggest in the country, let alone the county.
"Collingtree has a fantastic set of people, and it's a very lively meeting every week - and I guess that's why we all get up so early every Tuesday morning," said Mr Markham. "I liked the idea from the start, and have been priviledged to meet so many people through BNI, and ultimately, to get plenty of business from my membership.
"Networking is so important to any business, and having a loyal group of friends who are always on the lookout for an opportunity for you is a fantastic way of getting new clients, and getting yourself known."
Garry, who presents sport on Radio 4's Today programme, has a Sunday morning programme on Radio 5 Live and is a regular contributor to Grandstand and other BBC Sport output, proved a highly entertaining speaker, and among his many anecdotes was the time he interviewed the former American president Bill Clinton on Centre Court at Wimbledon to keep the crowd amused during a break in play! "He played upto the crowd and it was terrific," said Garry. "It's not everyday you interview an American president, but Clinton certainly knew how to keep his audience."
BNI Collingtree now meet at Kingsthorpe Golf Club every Tuesday morning. Networking begins from 6.30am, and the meeting starts half an hour later, finishing promptly at 8.30am. Anyone is invited to attend as a visitor.
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