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DEFINING A DECADE
Lis McDermott , author and writing mentor , is a founder member of the group .
“ I joined before it became BusinessWise back in 2011 so I ’ ve been a member for 12 years . I love it as much , if not more than when I first joined . In 2011 , I had just set up as a professional photographer , and I wasn ’ t as confident as I might have been .
“ However , having to stand up and talk in front of the everyone in the room regularly , helped to give me confidence . In 2020 when I changed direction to become a full-time author and writing mentor , I was encouraged and supported .
“ As we have a one-seat policy , and are not in competition in the room , it provides a relaxed atmosphere , where we can try out new ideas , talk about new products and services knowing the information stays in the room . I love being a member .”
Phil Rand , of Rand Planning Consultancy is also an established member of the group .
“ I consider myself fortunate to be engaged in work that I truly enjoy and have no intention of stopping anytime soon . I ’ m very grateful to be part of BusinessWise , as for me , it ’ s a community which provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded , hardworking and ambitious individuals .
“ Beyond the business aspect , BusinessWise has facilitated the formation of meaningful friendships , the exchange of valuable advice , and continuous learning in all facets of life , work and business .”
Hannah Edwards holds the social media seat at BusinessWise under the brand of Scott Media . She said :
“ Networking has been of huge value to me personally and in my business . Working from home can be really lonely so having a group like Businesswise to go to every fortnight has been brilliant !
“ We all message outside of meetings and it ’ s like one big business family sharing news and catching up . This group has given me the confidence to do presentations – you ’ d never catch me standing in front of a room full of people and talking before !”
Darren Gillam runs Drain Developments Ltd and has been a member for several years too .
“ BusinessWise means I ’ ve met and got to know likeminded business owners who have helped me become more efficient . I have managed to change my phone system from a phone on divert under the bed to a VOIP system with a Cloud based number – thanks to fellow member OrangeStripe Outsourcing . This alone saves me about £ 70 a month .
“ The group has helped me with other essential matters such as dealing with software problems , offering electronic diary options , even apps for vehicle checks for our employees .
“ For me , it ' s not all about generating business - but learning from others who have bigger businesses .”
Nutritional therapist and naturopath Caroline Peyton is a more recent member of the group :
“ I have been networking for the past six years and I joined BusinessWise in January this year . As a self-employed individual working from home , it is essential to me that I meet other business owners .
“ I benefit from the social engagement , meet experts who have really helped me to develop my business , generate new revenue streams and clients and just as importantly make new friends . Running your own business can be a lonely place but my business has flourished , and I feel I have grown too as an entrepreneur .”
BusinessWise is also a group which believes in giving back . For many years it has had a ‘ charity ’ seat funded by membership . This is currently held by Dawn Prosser who works with RENEW ( Men in Sheds ) and Swindon Night Shelter ( supporting the homeless and vulnerably housed in Swindon ).
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
For more information visit the website at : www . businesswise . org . uk or call 01793 238 030
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2023 35