Essex Business Forum Business Networking Blog 16th June. Written by Jill Willis
This week’s Essex Business Forum meeting was quieter than usual (so many holidays!) with 18 members in attendance, but still as lively and worthwhile as always!
Feverishly multi-tasking, Brian Painter of Pilgrim Hypnotherapy (standing in for both Aidan Squire of Quality HR & David Plumley of Integrate Networks) chaired confidently. Guiding us all through the proceedings.
Headlines to take away and savour include;
1. Alan Moller, Cable Plan Electrician topped the performance league, with Scott Griffiths of Eseyo Web Design in second and Dean Caldon of Redstones Estate Agents in third.
2. Jo Jones of Jo Jones Health scooped the 60 second award – for a very physical and interactive stretching session!
3. Scott was presented with the award for May Network Leader.
4. Scott showed us his ‘referral snake’ (que Benny Hill theme tune) £6.5 million worth of referral slips saved for the records since the group began. Sensational!
5. New member Matt Barry joined us today, from graphic design business Blue Serif. We all welcome him and feel incredibly happy to have another stellar local business within our ranks.
We were given a taste of the poetic by Nick Cooke of Nick Cooke & Associates Structural Engineer.
In his engaging education slot Nick recited ‘The Business Man’. Quirky and a little ‘off the wall’, but then Nick is an outstanding structural engineer…
The 60 second round had some interesting topics this week. With Howard Bullock of Clear Financial Advice telling us about the work he is doing to refine client’s existing financial investments, to protect against any potential market fluctuations created as a result of the EU Referendum next week. New member Matt showcased his firm’s branding work, presenting an excellent example of logo development work for local client Mackenzie King.
Mike Rogers of The Mortgage Store gave an outstanding 10 minute presentation, explaining why, post-recession, an expert mortgage advisor is a fundamental part of securing a mortgage. We were left in no doubt that ‘better call Mike’ should be the phrase on every would-be buyer’s lips before attempting to secure a mortgage.
With all mortgages now having to be individually underwritten, and each lender choosing to take a different approach to how they choose to lend, the marketplace is a confusing minefield, which needs expert navigation. Not only that, but schemes such as the Government’s Equity Loan Scheme can leave first time buyers in a precarious position, if they don’t fully understand the future implications the loan will have.
Following some (as always) interesting stories, it was clear that Mike is capable of helping anyone who would like to get onto the mortgage ladder, or improve their existing mortgage…no matter how complex or unusual their situation may be.
For more information on the services Mike provides, contact 01268 573603 or visit www.the-mortgagestore.co.uk
FOR NEXT WEEK – The theme of the 60 second round will be BREXIT, and the B2C Synergy meeting will be taking place on Monday 20th at The George and Dragon 5pm. For more info contact Richard Reed of Prestige Holidays & Travel at info@prestige-travel.co.uk
The social picnic idea was confirmed. The two potential dates are Sunday 18th or 25th September.
Brian will be circulating a yes/no sheet next week. Please come with your diary and let’s get this fun day out confirmed!
See you next week!
Jill (in for Aidan)
Well written as always Jill.
Thank you Mike for reminding me why I do not want to be involved in the mortgage market. Passing the business over to you is a much better option!!!
A meeting full of life despite refs to dem bones. Great words by Jill and great stand up by Mike. Lots more gifting in store for Fathers Day. See you all next week.
Yes a good meeting and great to welcome another new member.
Thank you, Jill, for the blog. Well done Miss Jones for winning the Oscar. After Mike’s info on mortgages I’m glad mine’s paid up.
Do you remember the Morecombe and Wise sketch where M played the piano and Andre Previn told him he was playing all the wrong notes? M’s reply was “I’m playing all the right notes but necessarily in the right order.” I felt a bit like that this morning. I got through the right agenda but not necessarily in the right order! Best wishes to Sue. I’m OUT.
And, by the way, please remember to sport your name badges at all future meetings. I’m OUT.
Well done Jill great blog!
good meeting today but lets have the rest of you there next week! Don’t forget the Brexit debate next week at the meeting!!
Sounds like a great meet this week, well done Jill on your comprehensive blog. See you all next week b and b!
Cheers,
Alan
Deserved gong to Jo J., an excellent blog for Jill AND a new member – welcome to Matt. All in all a good meeting.
Another good meeting under our belts. And a pretty good breakfast over our belts. Good to have you on board Matt. Superb blog Jill. Nick
Welcome Matt, always good to have new members. Another well written blog Jill. 6.5million referral slips..thats impressive! I won’t be able to make tomorrows meeting but I’m definately up for the picnic and games days! Have a good meeting all!
Thanks all for the warm welcome – really looking forward to getting to know you and your businesses.