Chairman’s blog Thursday 6th February 2025

Once again the Executive Services ice scraper came into its own as I prepared to set off for today’s meeting. Nothing virtual about this piece of kit for which we can all be ever grateful to Tina. Daylight was with us before the meeting kicked off at 7:10 AM. before which we were once again treated to a total of 27 present including Master Max Owen, visiting holistic health consultant. He has threatened to join us giving us the prospect of a healthy 31 members. Visitors seem to like what they see when they visit EBF, so keep up the good work, keep bringing visitors along to our meetings.

The Performance League

January produced good numbers which were reflected in the points tally of the top three. Terry Maylin led the way with 354 points, followed by Matt Barry on 335 and Scott Griffiths on 302. It bodes well for our annual review which will now take place, not next Thursday, but the Thursday afterwards.

Education Presentation

Jane Malyon gave us a statistical overview of what people are looking for when they engage a business to do work for them or provide goods. A cheaper price does not figure. In order of priority are integrity, honesty and decency which appear to be different manifestations of the same thing and should be a pointer to us all going forward into the New Year.

The 60 Second Round

As the resident Oscar holder James Humphreys started us off and there immediately emerged a theme. A I was at its heart Matt Barry drew our attention to HI, Human Intelligence which he felt his organisation brought to the table and which was far more invaluable then A I. Joshua Ayettey also emphasised the importance of HI In what he produced for his clients and as if to gang up on AI Catherine Foley proved how AI was not even green. It was Scott Griffiths who pointed out that it was a useful tool and used properly was a helpful boost two HI. Howard Bullock was even more enthusiastic about a particular piece of AI… to wit a recorder and organisational tool to record business meetings. It was Blake Hammond who perhaps put the whole AI debate into its correct context. He finds it very useful helping his kids with their homework, particularly mathematics. There, our contribution  to the national debate which should be going on, even if it seems it is not.

So with our contribution to the national debate out of the way, what else was occurring… Well, Kory Martin produced a leaflet to support his illustration of the removal services that he provides Jon Foster was talking about smart locks and Mike Skinner was advancing his business ‘walk through’ videos to enable you to cherry pick the highlights of your business on your website.

Vincent Goode advertised his Speed Print Products with  illustrated  pink pigs on cards held up by Paul Booth and a pink porker that squeaked provided by Ben Golding. Ben Golding himself rattled through the many benefits provided by Utility Warehouse but just when we thought it was going to be more of the same, he burst into song about ‘favourite things’. His rendition drew a round of applause although it did not win him the Oscar.

If The Mayor OF Gants Hill Village fell back on the use of props, Dave Roberts was not to be outdone. He wasn’t promoting testing this week but rather lighting as he explained about LED lighting bulbs and it’s varying strengths. Terry Maylin had a more esoteric contribution. Referrals for debt collecting on behalf of companies do not earn him the big bucks but it introduces him to new clients who can come up with much more valuable referrals when they get into different difficulties other than someone not paying their bills. A local accountant was an example who has a complicated dispute with an employee That is In a different area of the law that he works in and will prove to be a valuable piece of business.

So who did win the Oscar, well it was Kory Martin with his piece on the removal services he can provide. Well done Kory!

This weeks statistics and points of note

Scott Griffiths was upbeat because he was able to report £21,000 worth of business being recorded today together with 13 new referrals. It bodes well for what hopefully will be a productive February.

10-minute presentation by Leann Reason

The clever use of a television screen to illustrate her interior designs Leann Reason gave us a well-presented 10 minutes showing off her skills,  illustrating what she can achieve and also explaining how employing her need not be seen as a luxury because of the savings that she brings from her own connections when transforming your living accommodation. It was a good performance and a precursor to her newly formed property synergy group that was meeting afterwards