Chairman’s blog Thursday 23rd April 2026

Paul Booth educated us on "how to be a good EBFer" and Stephen Chilton gave his first 10-minute presentation about ERB Commercial Insurance and Risk Management Ltd.
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Chairman’s blog Thursday 23rd April 2026

Finally, it’s light in the morning when I set off from home. Surely summer is now with us. With Auntie Jane stranded on top of Table Mountain, we were down to 17 this week but it turned into a vibrant meeting despite the reduced numbers.

Performance League

Well done Stuart Smallcombe for not only being way out front on 397 points but also such a point score signifying that he had done his half yearly return of income from the members end he should be an example to us all. Despite being missing on Table Mountain Jane Malyon managed second with 250 points and Paul Booth 3rd on 200. Still two more weeks to go so let’s keep the referrals coming in!

Education Slot

Paul Booth asked ChatGPT how to be a good EBFer. The result was substantial and to some extent was a statement of the bleedin’ obvious. Not that the obvious does not deserve regular repetition in order to make sure that we keep up the with our referrals and invite visitors. Quotation of the day ‘educate the room, don’t sell to it!’

60-Second Presentation Round

Stuart Smallcombe, our Oscar holder got things under way. The reminder was that we should be not only backing up our data but that such backing up is our responsibility. LG Networks can help with that!

Geopolitics aside, Clara Downton was able to report a quieter week and an opportunity for potential referrals to get advice as to the current situation and how the mortgage market looks at the moment.

Paul Dulieu emphasised the importance of his initial conversations with his clients when he stirred memories and got his most important information from them.

Catherine Foley declared the 23rd of April to be both Shakespeare’s birthday and date of demise. She then incorporated the titles to Shakespeare’s plays into a short pastiche. And rather controversially indicated she thought that The Tempest would fall under the general category of comedy. As it is part of a group of his plays that include Winter’s Tale where the stage direction, ‘exit stage left pursued by bear’ might lean in favour of such interpretation. Apparently it was initially categorised as a comedy before being consigned to his later Romances…..there, I’ve got that off my chest!

Sally Waters was comparing fragrances to memories, which was interesting and left me thinking that the smell of ‘old spice’ aftershave left me with mix mixed memories of early encounters with the opposite sex which one not always pleasant…… for me that is!

Enough of my problems, if you are looking at redesigning your room Leann Reason informed us that we would have at least 300 decisions to make. As that’s getting on for my weekly quota she is right that these are decisions we should delegate to her.

Dave Roberts deserved the accolade of best use of props as he urged us to review our lighting, but despite this he was bested by Terry Maylin who explained how he had successfully negotiated an outrageous unfair dismissal claim down from £250,000  of damages to a current proposal that leaves a claimant with little choice but to withdraw, tail between legs, and pay Terry’s clients costs. Such a successful use of his expertise was fully deserving of the Oscar.

Meeting Secretaries Report

12 referrals this week but the money recorded despite being only halfway through the month was £100,000. Let’s try and make it a record-breaking month for business recorded.

New Business Passed Between All Members
£ 0 +
Referral Opportunies Passed Between Members
0

10-Minute Presentation by Stephen Chilton

This week was the maiden voyage for Steve Chilton, Account Director with insurance brokers ERB and self-confessed foodie, West Ham fan and person in need of stronger elastic in his shorts. He usefully introduced himself and his position in the business and then went on to deal with certain aspects of commercial insurance including cyber insurance and director’s liability insurance with a clear explanation as to why we should give these insurances our attention. It was a strong performance which made a good case for all of us checking our commercial insurance when it comes up for renewal this year. Congratulations Steve.

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Mike Skinner
Mike Skinner
2 days ago

Well done on the first 10 minutes Stephen! Interesting and helpful in knowing who to look out for.
And to Stuart for smashing the points scores!

Jane Malyon
Jane Malyon
1 day ago

Sorry to miss today’s meeting and Steve’s first EBF presentation, in particular. Here I am in Paradise on holiday and still wishing I could have joined you!

Paul Corrigan
Paul Corrigan
1 day ago

Thank you all for a great meeting, even though I didn’t get my bacon sandwich!… I’m not bitter though!
Great first 10 mins Steve, smashed it!

Sarah Smith
1 day ago

Nice to be back this week and for a particularly informative 10 minutes, well done Steve. Great work to those over 200 points for the month!

Toby Acton
Toby Acton
1 day ago

Sounds like a great meeting -sorry that I missed it and that I misse your presentation Stephen

Catherine Foley
Catherine Foley
1 day ago

Great meeting as usual. Think Aidan has definitely out-Shakespeared me in this blog though!

Leann Reason
Leann Reason
1 day ago

A great meeting. Well done Stephen on your first 10 mins. A really great and informative presentation. Thanks for the reminder of how to be a great EBF’er Paul B. Well done for being out on top with your points Stuart!

Terry Maylin
Terry Maylin
1 day ago

Well done Steve on your first 10 minute presentation and to Paul who bravely went for an A.I inspired ed slot after his 10 mins of A.I !

Paul Dulieu
Paul Dulieu
1 day ago

Well done on your first 10 minutes Stephen. It was a really interesting insight into what you do. Great meeting!

Other Recent Blog Posts

Toby Acton expanded on last-weeks ed slot and discussed marginal gains. Followed by an excellent Questions and Answers session between members.
Paul Dulieu introduced us to the 5% rule and challenged us to find something that we can improve by just 5%. Silvia Nedeva gave her first 10-minute presentation about her commercial and domestic cleaning business, and it was incredibly good.
Stuart Smallcombe educated us on how to add value to what we do, and Paul Booth presented (with the help of AI) about his accountancy firm.
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