Partner Article

Networking over breakfast boosts regional businesses

Businesses in Tees valley have generated more than £100,000 in revenue in the last quarter, thanks to a new networking organisation.

Members of the Business 4 Breakfast group have also seen a dramatic rise in membership over the same period, as regional businesses take an alternative approach to increasing sales in times of economic strife.

Helen McGlynn, local director of B4B, said: “People are facing the reality that the phone may not ring as it once did and in terms of marketing they are faced with the decision of either cold calling or meeting other businesses in the same boat.

“Networking is a great way of reminding ourselves of why we have so much to offer in the downturn, we are seeing businesses coming together, recommending each other and spending their budgets with each other.”

B4B members – which include businesses across all sectors - are provided with new contacts and new business to help them understand customers and the marketplace.

People are also encouraged to share their working experiences with each other and are given training and experience in areas where they feel they need to improve.

Andy Knowles, managing director of JAK Publications, said: “B4B has worked well for our business.

“It has enabled me to introduce JAK to a wider audience given that each member knows other business contacts. Our business has gone from strength to strength.”

Helen McGlynn added: “£100,000 worth of business has been arranged across the table at our two B4B meetings.

“That revenue would not have found its way to those people if they had not networked for it.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .