Sunderland Business Network - Benefits

Learning

A monthly programme of business briefings with qualified speakers:

• Learn about business related issues that can affect their businesses,
• Share ideas and experiences
• Examine best practice

Networking

The regular meetings offer the perfect informal platform to meet and discuss business opportunities and encourage inter-trading

Profile

Each member has a dedicated page on the network website showing contact details, logo and short business summary as well as providing a hyperlink through to the member's own site.

Google map has been created to show member locations and increase profile possibilities
Members literature and information can be included in network mailings
Discounted opportunities for advertising on the website

Representation

Through its links with local government Sunderland Business Network offers a business voice through which opinions and common concerns can be raised.

Social

Running a business can be a lonely existence. Sunderland Business Network provides the opportunity to socialise and interact with local peers

Other benefits

Through the Network's affiliation with Business Clubs North East Ltd, the following additional benefits are available to network members.

• Free quarterly copy of ‘Your Business’ Magazine
• Free entry in new member section of ‘Your Business’
• Opportunity to submit PR’s for inclusion in ‘Your Business’
• Access to BCNE regional business seminars (the majority are free to members)
• Web site directory listing
• Detailed page listing with hyper link
• Access to member offers
• Access to constituent clubs members meetings

Testimonials

July 2010 Meeting

'Just wanted to say thank you very much once more for organising such an excellent event.

I was kind of stuck on my next step of marketing – i.e. now I’m getting potential customers inviting me in to see them – how best to present to them.

Although the speaker didn’t directly come up with a solution for me, he got me thinking and inspired me to develop a sample of case studies which I could select from to best suit the customer I was meeting.'

John Hague, NEOPS

'The event was exceptionally informative and thoroughly enjoyable. The motivation and information really fired me up.'

John Armitage 121 Vehicles

'A great event with lots of interaction between the two clubs – looking forward to the next joint meeting.'

Tony Carlin, NatWest Bank.

'My first visit to Sunderland Business Network was a big success, I gained one new account and an invitation to a days hospitality at Durham County Cricket Club.'

Keith Moffat, Interline NE Ltd.

October 2010 - Social Media Event

‘I thought the event was great it just shows that when there is the chance to network with larger numbers it makes people stop and think it’s worth the night out, it may well be that some members may already know their own fellow members well enough but are looking to meet other network members. I think it would be good for it to happen on a regular basis, I would certainly take a table again. Its fab for creating awareness of who you are and only £10! Money well spent I’d say. It’s much easier to speak to someone at a stand that you probably wouldn’t have just gone over and spoken to in a room.’
Carol Cain – Square 17

‘Great meeting. Got 2 appointments on the night and several have already signed up online. Excellent networking and great numbers - wish i had chance to talk to everyone.
The first speaker was bloody boring but everything else was fantastic. I think we all learned a few things and hopefully we can incorporate these into future meetings and events.’
John Lewins – Phoenix Energy

‘Just had to congratulate you and your teams on organising such a vibrant and inspiring event
Very busy with lots of people attending and at such a prestigious venue (although coming from Hartlepool, I didn't dare tell anyone where I was going!)
People there said we should do more joint ventures.
A very enjoyable and well run evening’
John Scheel - Positive Solutions (Financial Services) Ltd

‘Tuesday night at the Stadium of Light certainly was “buzzing”. The venue was excellent, irrespective of your football allegiance. The evening was brilliantly organised and well structured, allowing the opportunity for both formal and informal networking.
As an exhibitor I was most impressed with the organisation of the exhibition stands and their tremendous value for money.
I personally made several positive contacts, some of which have already led to follow up meetings.’
Duncan Dando - Q.provision

‘Cracking event, brilliantly organised; many thanks for the invitation’
Phill Brown, Web Developer - Consilience Media Ltd
‘It was one of the best Networking events that I have attended with excellent organisation, facilities and most of all turn out. I am sure that everyone had a successful night and am looking forward to the next one. I have spoken to several new potential customers as a direct result of the evening and everyone at the event seemed to have a similar really positive experience.
Thanks for all the hard work, look forward to the next one!’
Nevil Tynemouth – New Results Training

‘It was an excellent event and a fantastic evening.’
Phil Moir – Richard Reed Solicitors

‘Just wanted to say a big thank you for arranging last night’s event. What a great success to get so many people in the room at one time, and to maintain the excited buzz all night. I’m sure you’ll get some new members from it. Pascal’s presentation was particularly refreshing on a topic which often goes far too deep into the subject without a thought for the basic networking techniques that need to be applied to it.’
Janice Ross – Janice Ross Marketing

‘What a great evening, i made some good future contacts am following up as we speak (or tweet!)’
Stuart McMullen – 4 Seasons Ltd

‘It was definately the best attended joint meeting I've been to. Good speakers and good networking. Thanks.’
Dorothea Layfield – IMS Northern Ltd

‘Great meeting! Just heart warming to see so many other small business owners- and so many new faces.’
Mike Whitehouse – Printerfood Ltd

‘Excellent meeting, helped me to restructure business offering between larger organisations and SMEs. Signed up as new member also, so will be seeing you all again (although I realise probably not as many next time).’
Graham Sleep – KRTD Business & Supply Chain Coaching
‘I’ve attended many networking events over the past 20 years and this is the best yet. I’ve gained a lot of potential new contacts and business from tonight’s event’
Tony Carlin - NatWest Bank

January 2011 - Speed your way to success