The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 28: Dec/Jan 2016/17 | Page 34

BUSINESSWISE From left to right: Jerry Thornton (Thornton Associates), Lis McDermot (Photographer), Jason Parrington (JP IT Solutions), Mick Haren (Sandymount Construction), Mike Lloyd (Haines Watts ), Samantha Whittingham (Corporate Cakery), Stuart McNeil (Bevirs - Solicitors), Helena Griffiths (Gardens by Helena), Alison Buck (Rosemary Bookkeeping), Nigel Pursall (Orangestripe Telecoms), Fiona Scott (PR), Nick Ruddle (Videographer), Lorraine Stevens (HR4Business), Anne Messer (Bespoke Training Services), Steve Munson (Studio Creative Services), Lauren Reynolds (ActionCoach), Paul Eagles (Midwinter Web Design), Dawn Prosser (Gateway Furniture), Clare Fuller (Hamilton Grace Apartments), Phil Moody (Avonwood Financial Planning), Colin Stevens (CS Electrical) JOIN SWINDON’S LEADING INDEPENDENT REFERRAL GROUP FOR SMALL BUSINESS BusinessWise is a Swindon-based referral group which has been running from the town centre for more than two years. We are a friendly group of business members who build relationships together over time to run, manage and support each other to create sustainable and healthy businesses in Swindon and wider Wiltshire. Our members range from small start-ups to larger SMEs with a long history in Wiltshire, at least one company dating back more than 100 years. We meet each Friday morning at 6.45am at Jury’s Inn in Swindon town centre, and breakfast is provided. We network together for half an hour before the meeting itself begins where we do follow an agenda. So why join us? • We pass great business to each other. • We nurture a positive and supportive environment. • We are independent businesses but work as a team. • We build strong relationships and opportunities for each other. • We advocate for each other and actively look to refer to each other every day. • We offer training on many aspects of business. • We have fun. How do we run the group? BusinessWise is run on a not-for-profit basis by its members, it’s a non-competing group where one member will be the only member representing his or her sector in the room. Every member will get regular opportunities to share their stories through education talks and ten-minute longer speaker slots – as well as a brief story every single week. We also enjoy social gatherings and highlight opportunities to each other for engagement across Wiltshire, the South West and London. Are there any conditions? We are a welcoming and supportive group but, as we do operate on a non-competing basis, there cannot be two members working in the same sector. We also do expect members to turn up every week to the meetings and if they are unable to do, to send a 34 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016 substitute in their place. We understand in our group that relationships are best when there is commitment on both sides. While everyone’s contribution will be different – we do expect members to contribute and be active. How much does it cost? Visitors can attend – by appointment – totally free of charge. If a visitor wishes to join and they do not compete with an existing member, some due diligence will be done to establish the credibility of their business. It then costs £250 to join in the first year and £150 for renewal in each subsequent year. The monthly fees to cover breakfast, room hire and the operating costs of the group are £55 per month. Who are we looking for? We are currently looking for new members in these areas: Architecture Retail Recruitment Dentistry Opticians Graphic Design Floristry Restaurant/Food industry Plumber Sport/Fitness Health/Wellbeing GP practice Educational businesses Interested? If you would like to find out more – or come along as a visitor, please visit our website at: www.businesswise.org.uk Let us help spread the word about your business www.businesswise.org.uk Member Benefits: • Not for Profit Organisation • Fees re-invested into the group • Exclusive business category • Opportunities for new business across all sectors • Low annual membership fee