The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 38: Aug/Sept 2018 | Page 41

BUSINESSWISE
NEW CHAIR AT BUSINESSWISE
BusinessWise, the not-for-profit referral group of committed
business people who meet weekly in Swindon, have elected a new
chair - Jerry Thornton of Thornton Associates Surveyors Ltd.
Chartered Building Surveyor Jerry is a founder member of
the group and has now taken on the lead role, succeeding
journalist and PR consultant Fiona Scott who held the role for
the previous two years.
Jerry said: “I was honoured fellow members voted for me
after Fiona’s term came to an end. I hope to continue her work
to keep the group active as the leading business referral group
in the town.”
BusinessWise members meet early each Friday morning
(6.45am) at Jury’s Inn, Swindon to support each other and refer
qualified business leads – having gained a clear understanding
of each other’s products or services.
The group has been active in the town for more than six
years and operates on a non-competing basis where there
is only one person representing one discipline within the
membership such as one accountant or a single web designer.
Members also support one charitable member and
currently that is the Gateway Furniture Project which provides
white goods and furniture packages at very low cost to families
in need in the town.
Current membership includes Haines Watts Swindon,
Bevirs Law, Excalibur, Inspire Displays, Midwinter Web Design,
Studio Creative Services, Nick Ruddle Film, Lis McDermott
Photography and Avonwood Financial Planning.
The members are looking to work with and support other
business owners or directors and this could include a book-
keeper, graphic designer, a VA or PA, a plumber, an insurance
broker, a shop owner, a hotel or B&B owner.
The cost of joining is £250 in year one, then £150 on renewal
each subsequent year and the monthly cost is £55 which
includes breakfast and room hire costs, marketing activities,
charitable work and social events.
In order to find out more visit www.businesswise.org.uk
and get in touch to come along as a visitor. BusinessWise also
holds a small number of open networking events during the
year which are open to any business.
The next open event, held in partnership with Metro
Bank, Swindon town centre and will take place on Thursday
September 6 from 6pm where the guest speaker will be
Benjamin Johns, Cyber Protect Prepare and Prevent Officer
from the Regional Cyber Crime Unit.
Tickets are free of charge but guests must register via an
Eventbrite link which can be found at https://businesswise-
swindon-networking-sept2018.eventbrite.co.ukor by visiting
the BusinessWise Facebook page. Numbers are limited, drinks
and nibbles will be provided.
Let us help
Let
us word
help
spread the
spread
the word
about
your business
about your business
www.businesswise.org.uk
www.businesswise.org.uk
Member Benefits:
Member Benefits:
• Not for Profit Organisation
• • Not
Profit Organisation
Fees for
re-invested
into the group
• • Fees
re-invested
into
the group
Exclusive business category
• • Exclusive
business
category
Opportunities
for new
business
• Opportunities
for new business
across all sectors
all sectors
• across
Low annual
membership fee
• Low annual membership fee
MEMBER FOCUS
Each edition we focus on a BusinessWise member
and tell you a little more about who they are and what
they do:
Name:
Jerry Thornton
Business:
Thornton Associates
Surveyors Ltd
Chartered Building Surveyors
and Building Engineers
Tagline:
I know far more about
Japanese knotweed than is
healthy!
Years in business: 35
A defining trait: A history and reputation of providing
sound sensible advice on all building related matters both
locally and nationally.
Having worked in the construction industry since leaving
school in 1971, Jerry can provide advice and consultancy
on all building related issues concerning commercial,
industrial, retail or residential buildings. He can assist
with party wall issues, building engineering matters,
expert witness advice and reports, dilapidation survey
services, project coordination and comprehensive listed
building advice.
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
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