Guest-written by Paul Dulieu “The Comms man”
On a calm and frost-free morning, we returned to Hutton Cricket Club for our first ‘in-person’ meeting for a while. With breakfast awaiting us, provided by the exceptional Neil Belham and team, fifteen of us congregated, including James Humphreys, who we have known now for a while via Zoom but had never actually met in the flesh! Numbers were somewhat depleted by it being half term and the absence of Brian Painter (grazed his knee practicing Parkour) and our Chairman, Aidan Squire, who we were informed had “succumbed to Covid.” After a collective gasp by those of us who deal with word for a living, it was quickly clarified that he hadn’t “succumbed” in the dictionary sense of the word, rather that he had “caught it.” We wish both Aidan and Brian speedy recoveries and look forward to them returning soon.
In Aidan’s absence, Paul Booth stepped into his shoes as Chair of the meeting and, without further ado, we commenced.
The Performance League
After two weeks, Terry Maylin, Scott Griffiths, and Paul Booth currently hold the medal positions, but with a couple of weeks to go there is still everything to play for!
Education Presentation
Our education coordinator, Ben Golding, was unable to make it this week but had emailed his advice on “Making The Most Of An EBF Meeting” in advance to Paul Booth. The advice was timely, what with us returning to ‘in-person’ meetings, and well received. In essence it can be distilled down to this: Plan for EBF meeting. If you fail to plan, planning to fail.
The 60 (90) Second Round
Scott Griffiths was adjudicating the Oscar this week and after explaining the email services he provides clients, decided that it would be fun for each 60 Second presenter to nominate the next.
Colin O’Connor explained how five is the magic number in health and safety, as that’s the number of employees which makes it a requirement to have written policies. Tina Walker then highlighted how she can plan, book, and manage events and days out for clients, and effectively baby sits guests to ensure everything runs smoothly. She was, however, unwilling to commit to providing the same services for member’s small children.
Melissa Jackson emphasised how important it is that individuals and business owners reach out to her when they first realise they have financial issues, rather than leaving it until crisis point. Ultimately, the earlier you address an issue the more options you have available. Alison Bean then spoke proudly about how she is providing high end trauma-based counselling to serving officers at a local police force. Well done Alison, excellent work!
Vincent Goode came armed with props in the form of a site board and matching flyer, which he explained are great marketing tools for tradespeople, (and improvised toboggans when they are no longer needed) and James Humphries wrapped up proceedings with his maiden ‘in person’ 60 90 seconds on the benefits of Management Liability Insurance.
However, this week’s Oscar winner was Toby Acton who posed us the question: How much should you charge? Our resident business mentor concluded that the answer is “as much as you can” but you need to understand what your client’s budget is, how big their problem is, and what you can bring to the party. Wise words indeed. Well done Toby!
This weeks statistics and points of note
Scott, in his role as meeting secretary, reminded everyone to get their nominations in for the EBF Annual Awards, which will take place soon!
Questions & Answers Session
A last-minute change saw a Q&A replace Tina Walker’s planned 10-minute presentation this week. Tina will do her 10 minutes next week, when the number of attendees should return to normal as half term will be over.
Referrals Round
Considering the low turnout, there were still a healthy number of referrals. Everyone is reminded however, to use the virtual forms in the members section of the website. If anyone is unsure how to use them (there being at least one member who has yet to submit anything!), then please contact Scott for a quick lesson.
Just a reminder that we are meeting at Hutton Cricket Club again next week (24 February) but hope to return to our regular venue, The Barnyard Café, Calcott Hall Farm, on 3 March.
A fantastic meeting despite the impact of school holidays etc. It is so good to have physical meetings again. Lovely to finally meet James in-person and Neil’s breakfast is worth getting up at 5.30am for!
Well done on call of those who made it back
Good lively meeting and great to see everyone!
Great to meet all those that made it and looking forward to hopefully seeing a few more tomorrow. No promises but hopefully there will be less limping from me this week.
Well it took a week to write, so that’s why the grammar, syntax and succumbability was spot on. Well done Paul D. See you in the morning
Great meeting as always and it was nice to meet in person James and Melissa. Nice breakfast too. See you all Thursday
Unfortunately, a fractured shoulder prevented my attendance and so for the next few weeks I’ll keep up to date via the blog. I hope you have a good meeting on the morrow
Great meeting and good to see everyone again. And great brekky as ever neil!
Great meeting despite the reduced numbers. Good to win the Oscar again after so long – especially as I just made up my 60 seconds on the spot!