News
Visitor Days Planned at BNI Focus
We’ve got three Visitor Days planned for; Thursday 23rd February, Thursday 29th March and Thursday 26th April. Come along 7.00-8.30am and meet a growing, thriving chapter of local business people who want to help you find you new business. Only £10. Email contact@bni-focus.co.uk if you would like to join us.
Testimonial for Freedom Cars
“Just a note to let you know how impressed I was with Freedom Cars handling of my recent engine problem. I had expected a diagnosis first of all followed by you ordering parts (at considerable cost being BMW!!) and then my having to re book the vehicle in for them to be fitted. How refreshing it was to get a phone call from you within a couple of hours to say that the ‘fault’ was little more than a blocked filter – a common occurrence on diesels which do not do many long journeys. You suggested it would clear itself after a long motorway journey. After visiting the Lakes last weekend I am delighted to say this appears to have cleared the problem! I imagine had I taken this to a dealership they would have replaced the filter at considerable cost to myself. Instead not only was my car ready to collect early afternoon (after being issued with a courtesy car) , but it had been washed and leathered as well! There is absolutely no reason for me not to use or recommend your companies services in the future.” Clive Booth, Consultant, Ebbe (January 2011)
Testimonial for Andrew Collier Photography
“Andrew is a breath of fresh air, as a family we have experienced numerous portrait photographers over the last decade but not one has found the route to getting the real photos of our family, until we met Andrew. Unlike other photographers Andrew understands that pressure on time and the need for that perfect photo shouldn’t be forced, he approaches his photography with a relaxed yet confident manner and understands that the great photos come when people are having fun! There are no bright white studios with large glaring lights, he uses natural light and real surroundings and amazed us with the results. We now have a portfolio of family photos we will cherish for years to come and the quality mounts and frames turns a photo into a work of art. I would thoroughly recommend Andrew and his team to get the best out of any time and money invested with him- we have spent a lot of money with other companies over the years without ever getting value. Thankfully those times have passed and Andrew will be the first person we turn to for any family or business photography in the future.” Paul & Charlotte Cliffe (January 2011)
Testimonial for PB Electrical
“We have used PB Electrical services a number of times for commercial and domestic projects and have always found Paul to be an asset. Paul’s excellent guidance and professional workmanship has assisted us in ensuring we comply with the latest electrical regulations but also enabled us to take advantage of better economy with more energy efficient fittings. Paul is always professional, considerate and punctual with his work; quotes fair prices and always brings a ‘can-do’ attitude to the job. I would thoroughly recommend Paul to business colleagues or personal friends as he will never let you down. ” Paul Cliffe, Sales & Marketing Manager Calibre Control International Ltd (January 2011)
New Business Results from SJP
BNI Lymm member Daniel Dunn of Apollo Wealth Management is part of St James Place (SJP) who’s CEO announced their results today; “The final quarter was the most challenging of all the quarters in 2011. Nevertheless, we finished the year up 10% on 2010 which given the markets and economic backdrop was a really good result. Partner numbers are up 6% and, in addition to driving growth in new funds under management, over 80% of the entire adviser community (Partners and Advisers) have also qualified at Diploma level – a terrific result. Thank you. Your efforts in 2011 have been fantastic. I’d also like to say a really big ‘thank you’ and ‘well done’ to everyone in the field management team, Cirencester and our administrative centres, and to all those who supported our success in 2011.” Full SJP press release can be read here
Testimonial for Marketing Doris
“Due to Helen’s hard work, commitment and dedication to our marketing campaign we have come a long way and are now being noticed. Not only does Helen keep the website up-to date, tweet daily, prepare regular e-shots, newsletters and articles for publication she also manages our database and looks for opportunities on our behalf. Not bad for two days a month!” Kim Hayton, Hayton Consultancy (January 2012)
Testimonal for Andrew Collier Photography
“Our business portraits are great and have received really positive comments. Highly recommended for use on the website in particular as it’s always good to see the faces of the business. Not only were we put at ease but we had fun during the shoot. Thanks Andrew and Josie for a great job” Kim Hayton, Hayton Consultancy (January 2012)
Testimonal for Freedom Cars
“We have bought and sold a number of vehicles through Freedom Cars over the last 2 years. We have also been confident enough to refer to friends and feedback has always been excellent. It’s great to be able to go to a `one stop shop` where your car is concerned and know that they will be helpful, friendly and provide great service. They will also take the approach that if it doesn’t need fixing because it won’t impact detrimentally on the performance of the vehicle, they will advise not to spend your money! How good is that………..” Kim Hayton, Director, Hayton Consultancy (January 2012)
Testimonial for Ebbe
“My 17 year old daughter’s contract phone packed in this week. Clearly a life changing disaster for her. She is 14 months into a 24 month contract with Orange. Even though the phone is faulty, as we had not taken the insurance option, the only way could get a new phone was to buy out the contract at £140 and sign up for a new 24 months. Clive Booth of Ebbe kindly gave me his Will business last year. He didn’t quibble over the £165+VAT charge, he respected that I was an expert in my field and he would get lifetime value out of the relationship. Who did I go to with my simple telecoms request? Clive Booth. He immediately offered a solution, saved me hours trailing round phone shops with a teenager, and is there to deal with any questions or niggles. I have no interest in phones what so ever other than them being a business tool. I want to give Clive some business. Givers gain. Orange will not find me Will referrals. In real terms, he has saved me money already (he will help keep her bills under control and also get rid of the buy out problem) and more importantly saved me time now and time and aggravation in the future. Can I afford a few more quid to support a fellow BNI member who will find me business. Of course. I will find more business with the time I’ve saved! Thank you, Clive. This is how BNI works. Think bigger!” Wendy Heyes, Wills for Life (January 2012)
Business Portrait Day – 24th January 2012
Does your social media profile do you justice? Are you using a favourite holiday snap of yourself or one from the festive season holding a pint of your usual tipple or maybe you just haven’t used a photograph at all and you represented by an ‘egg’ or a ‘silhouette’? Is this the best way to represent you and your business to your customers (and prospective clients?) and are you just not selling yourself short by not having a profile picture. It’s missed opportunity to make a powerful statement about who you are – remember first impressions count and often these days that first impression is made via Linkedin. Andrew Collier is a portrait photographer and he can help you send out a much more powerful visual message. Think you’re not photogenic – don’t worry that’s Andrew forte, he can put even the most reluctant ‘ model’ at ease in front of the camera whilst he takes fabulous pictures of you. You can see some of the business portraits he’s done recently on his blog here. A half hour portrait photography session for independent business owners including what to wear, business makeup and two fully retouched images on CD for use on the internet and in print; all for just £125.00 inclusive. His next business portraits session is on January 24th at the Ramada Encore in Warrington details here.
Testimonial for PB Electrical
“Who says that all trades men are unreliable? This is for sure not so in your case. I request Paul to attend at my house and do some work for me, and he turned up on time and on the right day. That says a lot about Paul, professional and friendly, helpful and an expert. My garden now lights up the way every evening on my return home after a hard day, and this reminds me of Pauls work. I would have no hesitation in recommend this tradesman to anyone” Colin Lindsay, Gallery Recruitment (January 2012)
Testimonial for Freedom Cars
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both you for the help you have provide in sourcing not one but two cars for me. The first one (mine) was straight forward in the way that I knew what I wanted and you managed to fill all my wishes to a T. Emily’s was clearly more of a challenge but Mark persisted with his search until he found a car that was suitable for her. Throughout this process I found Matt and Mark to be at the top of their professionalism and not only supplied the cars but also gave valuable advice and kept me up to date regularly with the progress. Matt also went an extra mile when he recovered Emily and her car from the side of the M56 on a busy Monday morning dropping Emily at her work and saving her day Thanks Matt!! I know where I am coming next time and I have already mentioned their services to many friends” Colin Lindsay, Gallery Recruitment (January 2012)
Testimonial for Andrew Collier Photographer
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the work you have done on the first three photography projects of my family and I, this included our wonderful bump to baby photos that you produce for us. We are extremely happy with the results both with the quality of the photography and the framing service you offer. Thank you for your advice with regards to the Christening books that you produce for us, we are sure that our friends and family will love them just as much as we do. Prior to the bump photos we had a wonderful Sunday afternoon taking photos of my two girls which was never going to be an easy task with two teenage girls wanting different poses, change of clothing and both had different ideas how to achieve that. Again the results were absolutely fabulous and now hanging proudly on my living room wall for me to admire on a daily basis. The business portrait photos that you took at the same time will I am sure show to the world the image I would like to portray. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to any of my friends and family and have done many times already, thank you very much your patience and your professionalism throughout these enjoyable photo sessions.” Colin Lindsay, Gallery Recruitment (January 2012)
Testimonial for Styles & Co
“I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your handling of my recent income and expenditure account, tax return and liability reports. The whole process was explained to me in understandable terms from beginining to end and the figures delivered to me in a timely fashion. I was delighted to see there was a slight rebate due from my previous self employment so you certainly kept me safe from the Inland Revenue! Thanks also for the future tax prediction which lives up to your statement of ‘no surprises’ where tax is concerned. I would have no hesitation in recommending your companies services in the future.” Clive Booth, Consultant, Ebbe Connecting Business (December 2011)
Testimonial for PB Electrical
“I have used Paul to carry out electrical works on a number of occasions at my own home and elsewhere. I have also recommended him to clients and friends, and he has help out with a domestic emergency. He has always proved reliable, punctual and efficient, as well as resonably priced. Moreover, unlike many other tradesmen, he is clean, tidy and doesn’t leave behind him a trail of destruction! I would have not hesitate in recommending him again to anyone who needs an electrician” Tim Jordan, Forshaw Davis Ridgway (December 2011)
Testimonial for Billy Galloway
“I spoke to Billy on a Friday afternoon about a problem with a central heating boiler at a tenanted house I own. The issue was urgent as it was cold and the heating at the property wasn’t working. Billy was in London when I spoke to him but offered to go to the following afternoon (Saturday) and arrangements were made for him to do so. He duly rang me about 3.0pm that day to confirm either that he could replace the defectie part, or replace the boiler altogether, and gave me competitive prices for both. I decided to have the boiler reaplaced, and it was duly done by him the following Tuesday to the tenants’ relief and satisfaction, and at the price quoted. All in all a good experience – job done on time, on budget and everyone happy. On that basis I would have no hesitation in recommending Billy again.” Tim Jordan, Forshaws Davis Ridgway (December 2011)
Testimonial for Marketing Doris
“A big thank you for our recent social media ‘power hou’ session I have long held the view that both me and my company were ‘missing a trick’ so to speak by not embracing the many opportunities that Twitter, Linkedin and the like can afford us. The session was informative and done at the right pace for my experience, although I am sure it can be tailored to suit any level. Thanks to your guidance we now have a structured approach to leveraging exposure and ultimately more business via social media ready for our New Year marketing and sales push. I would have no hesitation to recommending your companies services in the future” Clive Booth, Consultant, Ebbe Connecting Business (December 2011)
Testimonial for Freedom Cars
“I have already given Freedom Cars a glowing testimonial earlier this year, but I felt I had to write another one after last week when they literally came to my rescue. A flat tyre stopped me in my tracks on a cold, wet and dark afternoon, and after discovering that there had been a breakdown in communication from my breakdown company (they had neglected to tell me when the cover was due for renewal), I called Freedom Cars. Call-outs isn’t something they usually offer to clients but I’m delighted that they made an exception and two of their service mechanics made a detour on their way home to help me out. The customer service Freedom Cars offers, along with their willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ is a refreshing change and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who has a car (or who needs a new car!).” Helen Stott, Director, Marketing Doris
Testimonial for Cheshire Building Contractors
“Cheshire Building Contractors (CBC) aren’t just there for the big construction projects but are also able to help with the little jobs. Last week after water started dripping through a dining room light fitting, Scott Rayner was quick to react and one of his team arrived to investigate within a couple of hours. The matter was subsequently resolved and I would have no hesitation in recommending CBC to anyone requiring any type of maintenance work in their home or workplace.” Helen Stott, Director Marketing Doris
Award for St James’s Place
Daniel Dunn of Apollo Wealth Management a member of St James’s Place was delighted to annouce that St James’s Place had won the Best Financial Adviser Award at the Personal Finance Awards 2011/12. The awards are sponsored by The Money Pages and What Mortgage Magazine. Other contenders in the Best Financial Adviser category included; Hargreaves, Towry, Co-Operative Independent Financial Advisers, London & Country
