A flourishing group for Staffordshire businesses has scooped a national award.
The recently formed Staffordshire Business for Breakfast group won the Best Newcomer award at the group’s Directors’ 2010 conference.
Business for Breakfast has more than 30 groups across the UK and recently announced an expansion into the Czech Republic.
The Staffordshire franchise was launched in April and is run by Stuart Walton, President of the Stafford Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It has already attracted over 40 companies from film makers to roofers who have joined forces to boost business across the county.
Stuart, of Milford, near Stafford, said: “We started with one group meeting once a fortnight at the Moat House, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent. Interest was so high that we immediately established a second Moat House group and now have two further groups at the Hatherton Country House Hotel, Penkridge, and the Holiday Inn Express, Stafford.
“Members meet fortnightly and the emphasis is on building up contacts and discussing ways of working in partnership. Business for Breakfast is not a vehicle for direct selling, sales come naturally as members get to know each other and refer them to other trusted contacts.”
Tom Duffin, a professional business coach and mediator, from Colwich, near Stafford, commented: “I have gained new business and been able to introduce other members to companies which they otherwise would probably have never met.
“But just as importantly members have been able to offer each other much helpful advice which has proved invaluable in growing businesses.”
Julie Mirowski of Rydale Roofing, Newcastle-under-Lyme, added: “Breakfast clubs often attract service professionals such as solicitors and accountants, so some people maybe surprised at Rydale’s Roofing’s decision to join Business for Breakfast.
“But this is a great opportunity to speak directly to potential customers and benefit from the wealth of expertise available via the group’s members and their business associates.”
Film maker Nathan Williams of Stafford said: “Your first year of business can be a rollercoaster ride and a definite high point for me was joining the Penkridge Business for Breakfast group. It’s a great arena where you can open up so many opportunities just by getting to know people. My workload and profile has increased since I joined.”
The diverse range of Business for Breakfast members include an employment lawyer with a large North Staffordshire firm of solicitors, a social media consultant, an independent insolvency practitioner, a bus and coach company, a social housing group, a computer consultancy, a financial recruitment company and a health and safety consultant.
Just one person from each trade or profession is granted membership of each Staffordshire group.
ENDS
For further information contact Stuart Walton on 07706 161 851
Notes to Editors: Business for Breakfast was developed by John Fisher in 2001 through a direct need to generate increased level of sustainable business referrals while he was working for a major international insurance company.
In 2006 John developed the franchise model that can be seen today. The company has grown rapidly and now has over 30 franchisees. With its head office inManchester the company provides strategic, marketing and administrative support to its franchise base and breakfast club members via a bespoke IT system. To find out more log on to: http://www.bforb.com/