Chairman’s blog Thursday 24th September 2026

Jane Malyon educated us n the power of 121 meetings, and Blake Hammond demonstrated his AI knowledge and told us all about his AI and coding business, Voidshift.
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It was breast cancer day and also Gregg’s breakfast. The former being an initiative from Catherine Foley and the latter being Paul Booth’s duty

There was an array of cakes, there was a preponderance of pink, both on the cakes and on our backs. A great effort by both Catherine and all of those who produced cakes. Well done everyone. Catherine has confirmed that she raised £255 which was a good effort from the 16 members in attendance.

Performance League

Terry Maylin is out front with 214 points, Paul Booth is on 186, and Paul Corrigan has 179 points to his name. Referrals from today might well alter the situation. Watch this space

Education Slot

Jane Malyon was this week presenter and she kept it simple.…. But effective! She emphasised the importance of 1-2-1s. Our meetings are friendly upbeat and full of banter. Our 60 seconds presentations oh useful. however, the 1-2-1 provides real conversation, provides detail that can often be a trigger to referral  and is very much part of the tool kit that we have in getting to know one another better and therefore making EBF more effective.

Membership Matters

Dave Roberts has been approved, and his membership is being renewed for another year.

60-Second Presentation Round

Matt Barry was the current holder of the Oscar, and he presided over a round which, if it had a theme, it was AI. Scott Griffiths has been getting his AI ‘employees’ to help him assess the completeness of the website he is currently working on for TM Law.

He was followed by Blake Hammond who reminded us that it was his 10 minutes and this would certainly be AI based as he looks advance his AI business. Toby Acton also was explaining how AI could be used effectively to amplify motivational map categories and help focus a business where individuals select strengths in certain areas.

David Rose had a good news story. The girlfriend of one of his employees was able to introduce him to one of the larger estate agents in the area which will pay dividends for him as a remover

Silvia Neveda he explained how providing a multitude of services as part of her cleaning regime includes steam cleaning which can rescue items of furniture that have suffered a catastrophe

Terry Maylin produced an interesting statistic about the reduction in people making claims in relation to personal injuries brought about by government restrictions fuelling this trend and he emphasised the importance of people at least getting initial advice on pursuing claims potential through him

Although Toby Acton did not produce the hint of a metaphor this week Catherine Foley was inspired by the cake making process to liken support and assistance she gives as a tutor to a recipe for success for her students.

On the cake theme Jane Malyon felt it necessary to explain that although she was part of the the process that encouraged us to eat more carbs, she was in fact providing treats and that there was no harm in such indulgences from time to time

By contrast on the subject of necessities, John Hammond was advocating CCTV as the winter nights draw in. In Paul Corrigan’s absence his regular substitute George explained how they were in the servicing season and that we should always be aware of the potentials for carbon monoxide poisoning. He even had props which were testing devices that perhaps is the least we can do to keep ourselves safe.

Matt Barry played the grumpy adjudicator, complaining that the offerings this week were ‘dull’ but declaring himself uplifted by the theme of cakes and treats and on balance made the award to Catherine Foley.

Meeting Secretaries Report

Scott Griffiths reported 12 referrals and around £8000 worth of business recorded which when added to the £37,000 to date produces a reasonable return for the month so far.

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

Visitors Corner

As we pursue our focused effort to attract specific visitors to our group, Terry Malin and Scott Griffiths reported approaches they had made to various businesses and others contributed to clarifying other areas for approaches to visitors that might be useful. I feel this is a useful addition to our agenda, and I would urge you all to set aside at least half an hour in the week to consider and explore appropriate potential visitors. Do it whilst you’re having a coffee break or taking a break from what you are otherwise engaged, in to check out possible leads. I know that I can at times overemphasise the simple fact that the more visitors and therefore the more members we have, the more referrals that will be passed and the more we will all benefit.

10-Minute Presentation by Blake Hammond

If I might offer up a footballing simile; Blake Hammond’s change in direction in offering AI expertise to businesses is like converting a defender to a striker. He can command higher transfer fees, and he can make the difference between promotional or relegation to a business. He has even adopted a new trading name of Voidshift and he gave us details of the areas where he can be of assistance and indeed where he becomes a necessity, particularly with regard to AI policies. Don’t take my word for it. Contact him and find out how he can be of assistance to you in moving your business forward

The meeting as always was rounded off by the referrals and testimonials round and also after the meeting with Jane Malyon’s synergy team meeting for business to consumer

WARNING, Please note all members. There will be no meeting next week, scheduled speakers therefore move to the following week as if there had been no cancellation and remember not to turn up. I don’t think I’ve ever said that before!

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Paul Corrigan
Paul Corrigan
3 hours ago

Sounds like a great meeting, gutted to have missed it. Hope you all have a great weekend

Matt Barry
Matt Barry
2 hours ago

what a yummy meeting

Stuart Smallcombe
1 hour ago

Another fun meeting, and cakes! What’s not to like.

Catherine Foley
Catherine Foley
13 minutes ago

I really appreciate you all supporting Breast Cancer Now this morning and helping me raise so much money. This is such a clear demonstration of what a lovely group this is to be part of.

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