Member Article

Deeside-based businessman praises networking group for contributing to a third of his turnover

A Deeside-based businessman has praised a networking group for contributing 35 per cent to his turnover.

Geoff Coote, head of sales at IT support firm Pro-Networks, is the new head of the Warrington-based Viking BNI which has just been named the number one BNI branch in North Wales and Cheshire.

The 28 members of the branch passed more than £1.6m of business to each other in the last 12 months. The average of £58,000 per member is the second highest in the region.

Geoff, who can attribute one third of Pro-Network’s turnover to connections made through the group, is calling on other businesses in the region to share in its success.

He said: “What sets our group apart is our strong sense of camaraderie and humour.

“It’s a breakfast networking group. We think if you are going to get up earlier, you better have fun doing it, and this ranking illustrates the energy and enthusiasm shown by our members.

“We are also a tight-knit team. It’s like having an extra 27 work colleagues, with everyone providing help and support to each other.

“Our members recognise the strength of this branch, which is why some travel in from as far as Mold and Macclesfield.”

Viking BNI started in 2009 and meets at the Park Royal Hotel, Warrington. It has consistently ranked in the top three in North Wales and Cheshire since the listing started five years ago.

It is also the 27th best performing across the UK.

Denis Stevenson, business development director at award-winning Frodsham-based Rowlinsons Solicitors, is the longest-serving member, having joined the branch when it launched seven years ago.

He said: “It’s always been incredibly well run. Everyone recognises that BNI plays a key part of growing their business.

“The set-up allows us to know each business intimately, which is crucial for us when recommending an organisation to a client. If we get it wrong, it reflects badly on us.

“Some of our members get up at 5am to attend, and that speaks volumes for how valued this branch is.”

Viking BNI meets every Friday at 6.45am. To visit a meeting, contact Geoff on 07966 543 347 or search for ‘Viking BNI’ online.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .