New BNI group aims to keep business in Shrewbury
Companies in Shrewsbury are being invited to join a new business networking group that aims to keep hundreds of thousands of pounds in the local economy.
As the UK continues to struggle to escape recession, Darwin BNI (Business Networking International) has been established by a group of local companies to help each other get new business.
The group, part of the UK’s most successful business networking organisation, has begun meeting every Thursday at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Sitka Drive, on Shrewsbury Business Park – and is seeking new members.
Paul Ashby, Director of Paul Ashby Locksmiths, one of Darwin BNI’s founding members, said: “BNI is all about local companies actively working together to get more business for each other.
“A word of mouth referral is the most important way companies win more business, so it makes sense to be part of a BNI group where companies are recommending each other to their customers and other contacts.”
Shrewsbury-based Independent Financial Advisor Becky Fawcett, also a founding member, added: “Other individual BNI groups in Shropshire and Staffordshire, and around the UK, pass referrals worth over a million pounds every year.
BNI helps keep money within the local economy for the benefit of local businesses. That is what we want to achieve here in Shrewsbury, boosting local economy.”
Terri Butler, Duty Manager of the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, said: “We are delighted Business Networking International has decided to set up a new group here. We are great supporters of local business and we will provide an excellent venue for their work.”
Paul Rowlands, Director Consultant of BNI in Shropshire and Staffordshire, is overseeing the launch programme.
He said: “The central principle of BNI is ‘Giver’s Gain’ – if I help other businesses make money, they will help me. I am confident Shrewsbury is just the kind of town where BNI can make a significant impact in supporting businesses and the local economy.”
It is an approach that has proved hugely successful. There are more than 6,800 groups, or chapters, around the world and more than 600 in the UK.
A unique aspect of BNI is that only one of each type of trade or profession is allowed in each group. We would like to hear from a wide range of businesses – for example plumbers, landscapers, printers, estate agents, florists, builders, everyone – who would like more business than they have now.”
For more information, or to arrange a visit to Darwin BNI, email: darwinbni-shrewsbury@paulyrow.co.uk
