Testimonials from our current and past members

Still such a great business networking group – my favourite ever and I’ve been networking for decades! Great for my business but also fun, supportive and full of camaraderie. I’d be proud to bring a visitor along as I know they would love it.

I joined EBF in October, having just set up my own tutoring and proofreading business the month before; my only regret is that I didn’t join before I set it up! I have received so much fantastic advice from the members and the referral system has led to lots of work for me. The group are really friendly and the meetings are funny and invariably very entertaining – definitely worth getting up early for.

Great networking group. Friendly fun and informative. I have developed my business and myself since joining. The contacts you make are priceless. Would recommend any business owner to join. I wished I had joined sooner.

EBF has been a source of business referral, support and comrade ship for me since it’s inception and an ideal forum to enable businesses, particularly SMEs to grow and thrive

My name is Nick Cooke and I’m a Structural Engineer. I am a member of the Essex Business Forum (EBF). It really is the best business networking group ever. And I know because I have been to plenty of them. I have been a member of EBF since its inception in 2010.

Joining EBF was one of the most important business decisions I have ever made. My membership and the relationships that I have developed the other members of the group has helped my business generate a very significant proportion of its annual income.

The weekly breakfast meetings are well structured as indeed is the entire EBF organisation. I can thoroughly recommend EBF to anyone who is serious about making their business work for them.

I have been a member of this group for over a year now. Being a part of Essex Business Forum has been great for expanding my network. Not only do I get to meet with likeminded individuals each week, I also have been able to build friendships. There is a real diverse mix of businesses and there are many tangible benefits.

Amazing group, as a first time small business owner I have learned a lot from the fellow members. Can’t recommend enough!

After several years with this group, I can confidently say it’s still a phenomenal business networking community. The exceptional quality of referrals combined with the outstanding breadth of advice and support available from such a friendly group makes it invaluable

Fantastic networking group and its been a real help to my business, both in acquiring new work and lots of support and guidance from members

I’ve been a member for over 10 years now! That just about sums up how worthwhile it is!

Fantastic and welcoming group which has benefited me both professionally and personally.

I love being part of this group! I’ve been a member of Essex Business Forum for nearly 7 years, and it’s been a fantastic part of my business journey – one of the best business decisions I have ever made! The group is welcoming, supportive, and packed with experienced professionals. I genuinely look forward to the weekly meetings – they’re structured, energising, and full of value.

Most importantly, I’ve gained significant business through the group and built strong, lasting connections. Highly recommended to any business owner looking to grow and be part of something special.

By far the best networking meeting in Essex. I look forward to the meetings every week and everyone is really friendly. I have made some great friends from attending EBF and I know that each of them are there when I need some advise or just a chat.

I would recommend this group to anybody.

If your looking for a networking meeting that will create a lasting impression and have people that will actively support you and help you grow not only your business but as a person, come along as a visitor. You will not regret it.

Business-focussed but lots of laughs and supportive camaraderie too. The perfect mix for a networking group!!

First reviewed this group a year ago and it is still 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.

I’ve been a member of EBF for several years now, I’ve made some wonderful friends, and gained valuable repetitive business, one of the best things I have ever done as a sole trader. Thank you EBF 😊 a very happy member here!!!

Great network group very friendly and welcoming

EBF is an excellent networking group. A friendly and relaxed environment, but still with a lot of business being passed.

Essex Business Forum has been excellent for my business since i started it, not only for referral of business to me but for knowledge and help from other members which is invaluable. If you want to generate new business and get a great network of people to help support you this is the networking group for you.

Great Networking group, most welcoming, would recommend to all.

Such a great group of people!
Have tried other networking groups but EBF smashes them out of the park!

Having started our own business in October 2019, a friend invited me to attend Essex Business Forum as a guest. I was unsure what to expect but I found it incredibly friendly, informative and useful.

I subsequently joined EBF and, even despite meetings moving, temporarily, “online” because of the pandemic, it has been invaluable.

EBF has helped me grow my business through referrals from fellow members and I have become part of a network of high quality, trustworthy and interesting local businesses who help and support each other at every step. I have also made some fantastic friends.

I can’t recommend EBF highly enough. Joining has, without a doubt, been one of the most important business decisions I have made as a new business owner.

Even if you are only slightly interested, come along and see what it’s all about. It could be one of the most important things you do for your business.

Joining EBF 12 months ago was a great decision for me. I’ve made some great contacts, some great friends, and as a bonus I’ve banked £10K of business that I would not have received had I not been a member. Highly recommended as a networking group.

I’ve been a member of EBF for several months now and, as their newest member, I’ve been welcomed incredibly warmly and guided through all aspects of becoming a member. I really enjoy the weekly 60-second round-up and have recently completed my first 10-minute presentation, which gave me a great opportunity to showcase our business services. This is a fantastic group of business professionals who genuinely support one another with training, ideas, opinions and innovation — not to mention the many referrals for ÉLAN.

Probably the best business networking group around. Plenty of quality referrals and most importantly great business relationships built with good people.

Being part of a local business networking group has been incredibly valuable, both personally and professionally. It has provided a strong support system during challenging times, offering advice, encouragement, and practical solutions from people who truly understand the ups and downs of running a business. The connections made have not only opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations but also created lasting friendships. It’s been a real lifeline, helping me stay motivated, informed, and connected in ways that go far beyond just business.

I have been a member of Essex business forum for nearly 2 years it is one of the best things I have ever done for my business,
everyone is very kind , friendly and willing to refer me to others , I will continue to stay as I feel very privileged to be part of such an accomplished and well organised group .