Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Dave Richardson: Man of Rochdale 2023
- Best in region for Rochdale BNI »
- Wardle’s rare George V post box
- Access all areas at Hopwood Hall
- BLOKES at Hare Hill House - a safe space for men to socialise
- Hairdressing trend - Wednesday's bangs
- Benches for new Town Hall Square inspired by global fabric designs
- 11 years of bespoke slow fashion at Violet Flamingo
- Triple layer Easter traybake
- Rochdale Riverside Brick Show
- Nature’s Elements: discover your inner magic
- Historical follies photographed from unique aerial perspective
- Lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables
- Springhill’s Volunteer Appeal 2023
- 10 years of comedy with ACE LIPS
- Seasonal small business markets at Hare Hill House
- The financial habits to make 2023 less taxing
- Ian Henderson becomes Dale’s all-time record goalscorer
- Gardening tips for spring
- Legal changes ahead for businesses
- Dani Burke: mental wellness through art
- Why spring can still get up your nose
Spring 2023Best in region for Rochdale BNI
The Rochdale chapter of Business Network International has become the most successful group in its region.
Rochdale BNI – part of a worldwide business referral organisation – was set up in April 2022 by five founding members: John Fitton, Ian Madeley, Ian Cunningham, Steve Worrall and Kerry Hargreaves.
Just a year after being set up, the group has quickly grown to a membership of over 30 local businesses and is the most successful BNI group in its region and 10th in the nation.
On average, 92 referrals of business are passed between the members each month. At the time of print, 134 referrals were passed at the most recent meeting, and £51,000 of invoiced business confirmed.
Since its inception, over £280,000 of business has been shared in the group, which has members from different industries, such as IT support, estate agency, travel, dentistry, financial advice.
On the whole, Business Network International has around 288,000 members in over 10,000 chapters worldwide.
Kerry Hargreaves, from AST Hampsons and one of the founding members, says she jumped at the chance to be a part of it.
“I could see the benefit immediately. I could recognise the value and wanted in. I love networking and enjoy meeting new people.”
“You pass referrals in the hope that someone else will pass back to you. You can ask for specific contacts and being part of Rochdale BNI gives you the strength in business that you wouldn’t have had.
“As soon as I joined, we had thousands of pounds of business passed to us, and it really helped with exposure. Being part of BNI has also enabled us to showcase other things we do that aren’t about profit, such as offering advice to people.
“I’m really, really proud to be part of the group.”
John Fitton, the group’s president and managing director at Office Supplies Now, said: “I’m proud to be the President of BNI Rochdale, it’s been a fantastic success with £300,000 of invoiced business being passed between the members since we started.
“BNI gives us the tools to monitor our success but first and foremost we’re a group of local people helping each other be more successful.”
Vice president Jack Lyons, of Mysonpages, added: “Our intention this year is to be a group sharing £1,000,000 of business between the members, and we are well on track to do this.
“We are currently the number one chapter in the region, of 20 chapters, but more impressively, we are 10th of 470 chapters nationwide.
“We regularly welcome visitors to network with the members, learn more about BNI and how to join.”
Mike Holman, BNI’s Executive Director said: “I am extremely proud to see what the group has achieved. The quality of the individuals and the business created is exceptional.
“The fact that the group has already surpassed 30 members is a testament to the passion and ambition of Rochdale businesses and I wish the group continued success.”
The Rochdale BNI meets on Thursday mornings 7am at Rochdale AFC, Sandy Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DR.