I have found this group to have the right balance between making the meetings enjoyable but at the same time providing a professional forum in which to conduct business.
Kevin RadfordRMK Insurance
(Insurance Broker)
Join Essex Business Forum
Welcome to the most successful business networking group in Essex
We are the Essex Business Forum. An independent networking group made up of 30 or so members. From tradesmen, to professional services and everything in between. We actively promote each other by passing regular, high quality referrals and collaborate to grow our businesses.
Our dynamic approach works. We average £100,000 in member to member referrals each month – and in 2016 our referrals boosted the local economy by an additional 1.5 million.
Our weekly networking meeting takes place every Thursday in Brentwood, and guests are always welcome!
Looking for a local business you know you can trust?
From accountant to architect, wine merchant to web designer, book keeper to builder. Our membership represents the very best of local business. With a thorough vetting process, and ongoing member assessment programme ensuring that quality levels stay high.
Plus, our Essex Business Forum – Mark of Excellence now provides an extra level of quality assurance. Meaning you can choose with confidence, as listed businesses have been reviewed, tested and are actively recommended by our panel of local business experts.
What our members gain
By joining, and attending our weekly business networking meeting, you’ll benefit from:
- Regular business referral opportunities – on average each member receives more than £30,000 worth of new business each year because of their membership
- Ability to expand your network, and connect with like-minded business professionals
- Promotion of your business on our high traffic website
- Opportunity to become an accredited EBF Mark of Excellence business
- Promotion of your business via our popular Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels
- Weekly business development, education and training sessions
- Promotion via repeated daily adverts on local Radio
- Plus business training events, social gatherings, and much much more…
Read testimonials from our past and present members
As well as providing an important and consistent source of new business, the group is a valuable resource of support and advice which has been vital to the development of our firm.
The trust and respect that builds between members has a direct influence on business growth.
Howard BullockClear Financial Advice
I work alone and only see clients who have problems that they want resolving.
Every week at EBF I have the opportunity to meet 30 people all of different trades and professions and this gives me a broad outlook on what is happening outside of my consulting room.
To help build and cement relationships and to learn about members interests outside of their working environment, social events are held throughout the year culminating in the grand Christmas dinner.
All members act as salesmen for each other and apart from the enthusiasm and good fellowship generated at the meetings I receive good quality referrals, all of which enhance my business.
Brian PainterClinical Hypnotherapist
When I joined EBF I had recently gone into business by myself, as a freelancer. With just a few clients under my belt, I hoped membership would help me to grow, and to become established. It has certainly done that. I’m now collaborating regularly with fellow members on new business, and have a regular flow of high quality referrals. This is my No.1 focus for business growth.
Jill Willis
I was introduced to Essex Business Forum by an existing member, and honestly at the time I did not know, nor understand what to expect. 2 years later, I can say EBF is beyond business referrals.
For me, it is about working closely with positive and inspirational external colleagues; and constantly educating each other.
I truly believe EBF has played a huge part in my professional development; and in my presence in the community.
Jason NorteyBarclays Bank
Setting up your own business is very different to being employed and I have found the group to be invaluable in terms of support, advice and assisting me to attract new clients.
If you are a new business I strongly recommend you join.
Suzanne RichesWorkplace Safety Systems
Fantastic business networking group. The quality of referrals is exceptional With the broad base of business help and advice they can give is outstanding . A very friendly group of people.
John HammondJMH Technology (UK) Ltd
I have been involved with networking groups for over 16 years, and this is by far the best group I have joined. Well organised, with a structured agenda and enthusiastic, focussed members, the meetings are enjoyable and there is a ton of business flying around the room. You find yourself really wanting to find quality referrals for the members. If you are a small business and are looking to meet a positive group of like minded individuals, you should definitely take a look at EBF
Vincent GoodeSpeedprint Essex Ltd
(Printer)
View a meeting walkthrough
Our meetings are dynamic and friendly. To learn more, take a quick Meeting Walkthrough. Written by fellow members, it’s designed as a simple step-by-step guide to the meeting format. Helping you to feel at ease from the moment you walk through the door.
Each week we follow the same agenda, with content kept fresh and engaging thanks to regular guests, outside speakers, education slots and varying members present.
Welcoming guests, no strings attached
It’s free to attend your first Essex Business Forum meeting, and visitors are under no obligation to join.
So, if you think EBF membership would benefit a business colleague or friend, please use our simple form to invite them to one of our meetings. Better still, why not bring them along with you?
Just remember, guests should bring plenty of business cards so that they can actively promote their business!
Meet our members…
Kennway Francis Ltd.
Insolvency Practitioner
The members of our business networking meetings cover a full range of professions including trades, finance, property, business-to-business and business-to-consumer. To the right is a profile for a randomly selected member, or click the button below to view all members.
A selection of our member businesses…
