Member Article

New BNI business networking group launches in the North East

BNI, the business networking referral organisation, launched a new North East chapter, BNI Rock, in Annfield Plain, County Durham.

BNI Rock’s Chapter Director, Darren Smith, said: “It’s been great to get the ball rolling with the first official meeting and launch of the group. BNI gives representatives from a wide variety of organisations the chance to pass on business to one another through referrals. We’re already excited about the opportunities the group are able to offer one another.”

“The meetings start with a chance to network with other members and visitors, followed by the set meeting structure that all BNI chapters work within to ensure members get real value from attending. Here, each member has the opportunity to discuss their business and any types of professions or trades they are hoping to work with. Following this, members can pass on referrals whether for their own business or for others they know – it’s a collaborative and effective networking solution.”

Following the first meeting of BNI Rock, the Executive Director for BNI Durham and Teesside, Russ Sawdon said: “We know BNI Rock will offer fantastic opportunities for local businesses to build their networks and generate real leads for future projects and partnerships. As with all BNI chapters, only one representative from any profession is able to become a member, so when you join you know you’ll find real business opportunities without having to compete with individuals with the same offerings within the group.”

Business referrals at BNI are monitored, to allow members and the group to see the success of referrals and how they turned into real business. This highlights to the group exactly how much business is being passed through the chapter. Thanks to BNI’s referral marketing system, over half a million pounds worth of business has already passed through the Rock group.

Russ added: “You don’t have to live within the area; many of our members travel because they know the benefits of being a part of a BNI group like ours. This has been a great start for BNI Rock, and we look forward to the advantages it will continue to bring to members’ businesses as they educate each other about their businesses and the referrals they need.”

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