Here are just some of the testimonials from members of the Business for Breakfast groups throughout the South East of England. Members recieve testimonials (referrals) at each of the meetings from other members which helps their business gain new clients.

Business for Breakfast networking group in Croydon has benefitted our online business no end, not only with new clients but also unlike some other networking events, the members of the group make it enjoyable and fun to attend. There are many reasons for not getting up so early in the morning but being a member of the Croydon group is one good reason for making an exemption to the rule.

ABP Chartered Architects has been a member of Business for Breakfast networking group in Croydon for nearly two years now. This was my first experience of such networking meetings and I approached them with some tredpidation but also some scepticism. My fears and concerns were unfounded. The group has representation from a broad spectrum of businesses and thus comprises a group of individuals who are professionals like myself in their chosen field.

Far from being formal and stuffy, the Croydon group is run in a relaxed yet professional way, while the ambience is informal the business focus is clear. Whilst all members are aware of the need to look for business opportunities to pass on to the other group members, there is no pressure and above all no targets that members are required to meet in terms of business lead generation. If we were given targets for lead generation, I would have not joined the group.

Charles Stuart Financial Services Ltd has certainly benefitted from my participation in the group and not only financially. The opportunity to get out of the office and put your head above the parapet, and talk to like-minded individuals cannot be underestimated.

I have come to appreciate that the art of networking is very much based on the building of relationships and as such it is a two way process that takes time to bear fruit - it is not an instant opportunity to make as many sales pitches as there are members in the group!

Having started E-Mpower IT business back in 2006 I have found BforB an excellent source of new business referrals as well as helping me to make many new friends and contacts who have been invaluable in the development of my business. I have been delighted to have been part of such a rewarding group both from a commercial standpoint as well as from the many personal friendships I have made.

Once again thank you for your efforts and I shall look forward to continuing to benefit from, and contributing to, the future success of the venture.

Victoria Burnett, Associate Solicitor, CooperBurnett

Business for breakfast has given me a fantastic opportunity to network with other local business men and women over the past 14 months, with exactly the right emphasis which makes networking a pleasure, not a chore. Focussing on the quality rather than the quantity of referrals made, B4B has a truly commercial outlook which allows its members to get to know one another, and each other’s businesses, over time and consequently to build more enduring commercial relations built on trust and knowledge of one’s contacts. Inevitably this means we can give far better referrals to each other, and to our own clients.

Barry Smith, Head of Trading, Hospices of Hope

I have nothing but praise and admiration for the sterling work and commitment shown by Nick Starbuck and all the BforB members in Tunbridge Wells. Nick and all the team understand the importance of community and not simply business for profit and profit alone. They’ve provided tremendous patronage, for example volunteering for sponsored events; taking part in the Bewl Water Dragon Boat Race; paying donations in lieu of Christmas cards, and supporting the sale of a Board Game called Where is Moldova? – the brain child of a local business man.

Nick is very pro-active, responsive and always able to identify somebody from one or other of the groups who can help with a specific issue. The format of the meetings is productive but in a relaxed manner which is conducive to building long lasting business relationships. Time is taken to understand each other’s business which leads to an exceptionally high quality of referrals. All members of the group are extremely supportive of each other, and it’s a really enjoyable way of growing and nurturing a diverse network of business contacts.

Adrian Graves, Fiesta Kitchens Limited

I have been a member of Business for Breakfast for just over six months and am so pleased I have joined. My reason for joining, as I’m sure for most, was the potential business that might be generated but there is so much more than this within our special group. Business for Breakfast works by building trust and friendship with fellow members so that everyone can positively recommends each other but this friendship and trust goes so much further. B4B brings together business people and community that is generally missing in the small business world. It brings with it a sounding board for all to use.

I believe for me it has given me a really good support group but also helped to consolidate what we do, by explaining to others what we do we have to explain to ourselves! B4B however goes further than just business, we have a member from ‘Hospices for Hope’ charity and his contributions again help us get more involved in the community. Not only am I participating in a Dragon Boat Extravaganza at Bewl Water but as a company we are involved in ‘Run a hospice shop for a day’ scheme which I’m sure will be brilliant and help us engage more with our local community whilst raising money for a great cause.