Chairman’s blog Thursday 5th June 2025

As we gathered, the prospect of rain was for once a welcome distraction given the desert like conditions that have hitherto prevailed. 23 of us attended and there was the usual buzz pre meeting. Reasons to be cheerful: Mike Skinner’s return after a 5 week work absence, Darren Lamb had been approved as a member and was due to be inducted and Sarah Smith’s application for membership should be approved by next week.

The Performance League

With the month of May complete Paul Corrigan was third with 287 points, Stuart Smallcombe second with 300 points and out front, as the winner for May was Matt Barry. Congratulations Matt.

Education Presentation

Ben Golding’s theme this week was the power of relationships, both in relation to our businesses and more specifically our EBF membership. Whether at the meetings,  1-2-1s or social occasions  listen more than you speak and show interest in dealing with customers/clients and fellow members.

New Member Induction & Existing Member Renewal

Jane Malyon, John Hammond and Matt Barry have all renewed their membership for another year and as mentioned earlier Darren Lamb was duly inducted by Terry Mayling

The 60 Second Round

Our new bellman is Ben Golding, an obvious choice if for no other reason than sitting next to me we can share a bell rather than buy a second one. This week’s adjudicator was Paul Dulieu who had been forced to turn down a Wedding Gig opportunity because of holiday commitments. Let’s see if we can find a replacement for him.

Paul Corrigan told of a costly week with broken down vehicles and losing his glasses whilst paddleboarding of all things. Some referrals to help pay for these expenses would be nothing more than helping him keep his head above water which he should have done in the first place.

Whilst we are looking for a replacement printer, Matt Barry put himself forward as being available to deal with any immediate printing needs that we have. Thanks Matt, much appreciated. Let’s try and relieve him of the additional pressure by finding a printer to join us ASAP.

Joshua Ayettey concentrated this week on looking for potential clients who are looking to redevelop their premises. He knows his way round the planning side of things which will add value to his design capabilities.

Both Mike Skinner and Ben Golding reminded us that they are available to chat to potential referrals at no cost to give the scope to them of what they can offer. Worth bearing in mind when we make our referrals.

Toby Acton’s theme was a warning to pick our fights as we try and move our businesses forward. His illustration was a client who chose to rebrand rather than fight potential copyright infringements over her branding. Rebranding was turned into a positive and unnecessary money was not spent over potential legal disputes. Something for us all to bear in mind.

Blake Hammond, following a 1-2-1 with Jane Malyon realised how his ‘smokers’ and balloon decorations were suitable for events and was directing us into this area in finding referrals. An interesting revelation of how useful 1-2-1s can be.

Scott Griffiths interestingly drew our attention to the importance of our websites being able to attract AI information gathering. Another reason for instructing him to deal with your website.

Paul Dulieu excelled himself this week as our adjudicator awarding the Oscar to Dave Moore who produced photographic props to illustrate a badly laid floor by a builder and his properly done job afterwards. Whilst its contents was enough to award him the prize Paul was quite rightly impressed Dave’s progress as a 60 second presenter since joining, a view clearly shared by all of us around the table.

This weeks statistics and points of note

A good start to June with £12,000 worth of business recorded and 16 referrals of new business. Apart from reporting the numbers Scott Griffiths drew our attention to the evolving website that he is currently updating and upgrading. Apart from a new form to report your potential absence from a meeting, which many of you have used, there is now the opportunity to record social get togethers separate from the more formal 1-2-1 In order to distinguish but not discourage recording.. A useful tool for all of us in pursuit of victory in the performance league.

10-minute presentation by Clara Downton

Some personal information included a video of her dancing. Her best advertisement however was when she explained the areas she operated in and the advice that she can give. From her effectiveness and product knowledge it was obvious she represents a safe pair of hands for any of our referrals.