A new all-woman leadership team says it hopes to take a business networking group to new heights.
Business Network International’s Invincible chapter – which meets every Wednesday lunchtime at the Emirates Riverside in Chester-le-Street – was launched in November 2014.
Since then the 20 members have between them generated business to the value of more than £800,000 and raised nearly £2000 for the Willow Burn Hospice in Lanchester.
Its new president Emma Norbury – the Business Development Adviser at East Durham College – said: “People like to give business to people they know and trust and as a result they’re more than likely to get business back in return. We call it Givers Gain and it’s one of the main foundations of BNI.”
It started in the United States in 1985 and now has 13,000 members in the UK who pass between them more than 680,000 business referrals – worth over £300m – every year.
“We have members who work for large companies, SMEs or as sole traders. They operate across a wide range of sectors. In BNI only one business representing its trade or profession is allowed to join a chapter,” said Emma.
“At Invincible we have vacancies for a large number of service providers and businesses – including a photographer, health and safety adviser and electrician – but I would love to hear from any local company who would like to find out more about us.”
Its vice-president Janet Place – the practice manager for solicitors The Richmond Partnership – said: “There are a lot of myths about BNI – probably because of its American routes – but it has certainly generated a great deal of business for us and created some very firm friendships.”
Supported by chapter treasurer Becki Wilson – who runs Encompass Gas and Property Services – the leadership team have high ambitions for their year at the helm
“We would like to reach the million pounds mark as soon as possible, increase our number of members and, by the time we step down, really make our mark,” said Emma.
For more information contact emma.norbury@eastdurham.ac.uk.