ADVERTISING FEATURE
BUSINESSWISE CLOSES IN ON THE MILLION POUND TARGET
BusinessWise , the Swindon-based independent , not for profit business referral group is celebrating achieving referrals of close to a million pounds in the last year and membership is almost at capacity .
Networking and strong business relationships have been key to success for BusinessWise members as the group has grown out of lockdown .
Chairman Dave Southby said , “ Our group is doing so well . We ’ ve been averaging referrals between members and their networks of around £ 82,000 a month over the last year which puts us on track to hit a magic million in 2023 . We also have a cap of 30 paid up members at any one time and we currently have 28 . It ’ s wonderful to be part of such a vibrant and go-getting group of business owners .”
Networking has benefits which come in many forms and has different impacts for different types of business owners . Often within the group there will be members who regularly work with other members to fulfil their own projects . Some groups call these ‘ power groups ’. At BusinessWise we are simply friends .
Fiona Scott , Scott Media said , “ I ’ ve been a member of this group for over eight years and I see fellow members as my business family . It ’ s about more than money and profit for me . It ’ s all about relationships and referring each other with confidence that we ’ ll all do a good job . I often work with the fellow creatives in the group – our photographer , graphic designer , author and our VA member .” Matt Cantillon , who runs the Cantillon group based in
Swindon has the ‘ electrician ’ seat . He said ,
“ With my business , I didn ’ t join to get new business myself , I joined to find others who could support me in my business . We take on many projects across the South West and South East and I often need aligned businesses to support our work . BusinessWise has done this – I regularly work with the member who is an estate and lettings agent , the member who unblocks drains , the member who is the health & safety specialist , the member who is the heating engineer . There ’ s also our charity member and I try to support her work . This just gives another perspective on how networking can support a bigger business .”
Karen Doughty is the business development executive of Office Evolution , she added , “ Networking is an integral part of my daily business , attending a well organised gathering , and engaging with like-minded people , to build mutually beneficial relationships . Relationships are built on trust , integrity , and good working practices and these are the foundations for a successful , and enjoyable experience for all . Personally , networking for me , allows me to show me - the person , not just the business face .”
Darren Chapman , who represents the energy provider Utility Warehouse , said , “ Networking provides me with great benefits both from a personal and business view point , as meeting with new and existing contacts on a regular basis , enables us to help each other ’ s businesses and is also good for the mental health of those , like me , that work from home .”
Members attend a fortnightly meeting on a Friday from 7am to 8.30am at Basset Down Complex , near junction 16 of the M4 in Swindon . There is a formal agenda which includes :
• A 60 second round for introductions and members ’ business news .
• A guest speaker slot for members .
• Break out meetings or group activity ‘ moment ’.
• A referral round .
• An informal time to chat after the meeting .
Membership is £ 250 in the first year and then £ 150 on renewal with a current monthly subscription fee of £ 35 to cover breakfast , marketing and running costs . The group is not for profit and money is reinvested for the benefit of members .
Visitors ( who have a business which doesn ’ t clash with that of an existing member ) can attend once free of charge . BusinessWise would currently welcome ; a solicitor ; a beautician ; a dentist ; an SEO specialist ; a freelance sales executive ; an events company or an IT support company .
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
Seats available at the time of writing include :
• SOLICITOR
• IT SUPPORT FIRM SEO SPECIALIST
( excluding Wills , LPA & Probate )
PRINTER
• EVENTS COMPANY • DENTIST
BusinessWise members attend a fortnightly meeting early on a Friday at Basset Down Complex , near junction 16 of the M4 in Swindon . For more information visit the website at www . businesswise . org . uk or call 01793 238030
• CARPENTER
• CATERING
• BUSINESS COACH MORTGAGE ADVISOR
• BEAUTICIAN
• SIGNAGE
Anyone interested in attending a meeting can call : 01793 238030 | www . businesswise . org . uk
42 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk