Llanelli business breakfast club bringing home the bacon!

It’s been described as the business breakfast club that really brings home the bacon.

And, to prove it, this small and creative local business group earned more than £400,000 in additional revenue for its members last year.

Now the Business Network International (BNI) Chapter in Llanelli has its sights set on bigger targets and is looking for new members.

The busy Thursday morning club meets at The Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.

It’s an early 7am start – but these are men and women who are keen to make the most of their working days.

“Meeting first thing in the morning is great,” said Llanelli chapter (local branch) spokesman Phil Evans.

“We all have busy days and meeting first thing in the morning means that it doesn’t intrude into the rest of the working day.

“It also means that we start the day energised as there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our meetings. The meetings really have a buzz.

“It’s a place where networking can really pay dividends and it’s a place where people appreciate exchanging ideas and information. And our members also appreciate that we are a great support network. We are there for each other.”

It is estimated that each seat around the Llanelli BNI breakfast table is worth £12,000 in extra referral business.

The key to this is in the make-up of the BNI membership. No two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.

In Llanelli, the membership includes a plasterer, an office supplies manager, carpenter, locksmith, accountant, painter and decorator, electrician, plumber, builder, IT support consultant and a roofer.

Two of the latest recruits are Andrew Glen, of John Glen garage doors in Gorseinon, and Robin Rees, of Rees Roofing in Llanelli.

“It really is a great mix,” said Mr Evans.

“As well as the networking and the support BNI provides, the meeting also enables members to pass business referrals to each other, which can vary from firm orders from one business to the next or an introduction to a potential client.

“In short, the message is help others to help yourselves.

“The business between the BNI members is monitored and in money terms we know that the BNI members have done more than £400,000 worth of business during 2015.

“In addition, we have regular training sessions and guest speakers. So, we are able to combine an entertaining way of business networking with some innovative ways of making sure we stay on top of our businesses in these challenging and changing economic times.

“The BNI experience is different to other networking organisations, but we are very open and accessible and would be delighted to welcome potential members who just want to come along on a Thursday and see what we are about.

“Our growing chapter has referrals for a photographer and an events organiser. If you know of a business that is looking to grow and can handle more work, we would like to meet them. Please spread the word.”

You can contact Phil Evans on 01269 591133.

Or you can ring the Llanelli group chairman Graham Phennah, of Komplete Interiors, on 07721 564214.

BNI details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Venue: Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 0700am - 0830am.

Website – www.bni-southwales.com

Photos:

Graham Phennah welcomes new member Andrew Glen to the weekly meeting at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

Andrew Glen, of John Glen Installation Services Ltd, garage doors, Gorseinon, is the latest member of the Llanelli BNI group.