Across the Globe - Europe
United Kingdom
London Members' Day Hailed as Biggest and Best Ever

Photo by Andy Barnes, photostyles@aol.com

BNI members arrived from all over the world on London's hottest day of the year, eager not only to hear the wisdom of top BNI directors, but also to do business – lots of it – with other networking enthusiasts.

With all 750 seats pre-sold and a waiting list of over 100 members, the NatWest Bank sponsored London Members' Day created the largest gathering of its type in BNI's 20-year history. Delegates gathered at Westminster's prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre to be treated to half a dozen high-powered workshops—launched by a memorable keynote address from BNI Founder and CEO Dr. Ivan Misner.

The formal sessions provided valuable insights into acquiring new business skills, with delegates introduced to a host of networking techniques ranging from the latest proven systems for generating solid referrals to simple hints and tips. Of equal importance was the unique chance to make new contacts and forge embryonic business relationships with hundreds of like-minded BNI colleagues.

By the end of the day the participants were invited to indicate (by a show of hands) how many were going away with genuine potential new business. Two thirds of the audience (around 500 members) eagerly thrust their hands into the air, signalling the results of a hectic but profitable two-and-a-half hours of intensive one-to-one's with new faces in breakout sessions, where colour-coded badges helped everyone find their most promising new contacts by grouping synergic businesses into six well-defined power circles.

Additionally, participants were invited to anonymously indicate the current monetary value of their BNI membership. The outcome? Among the 50% of participants who divulged the amount of business they'd gained from their BNI associates, the figure was a staggering £15.2 million!

"It was a remarkable day, one that lived up to its promise in every way," said National Director Gillian Lawson. "The business temperature inside soon exceeded the heatwave outside, and nobody left empty handed. While the majority clearly went away with a lot of potential new business, everyone made valuable contacts, and gained a great deal of business knowledge."


United Kingdom
Chapter Renamed in Memory of Tsunami Victim

Members of Ilford's Exchange Chapter unanimously voted to rename their group following the tragic death of their former Chapter Director John Andrews who perished in the Asian Tsunami disaster on Boxing Day. Forty-five year old John and Tracey, his wife of just three years, were in their beach hut at Kohphiphi, Thailand when the Tsunami struck.

In recognition of the inspirational role he played during two separate terms as director the members of the newly titled John Andrews Chapter framed a photograph of their late colleague and displayed it proudly in front of the chapter director's chair.

New Chapter Director, printer Vincent Goode told SuccessNet: "John was a good friend to every BNI member, and a thoroughly likeable, professional and inspiration member of our group. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him, and his loss leaves a big gap in our chapter."

Vincent added: "John was an independent financial adviser with Chingford consultants DGS. We were pleased when the firm asked if one of John's colleagues, Malcolm Snook, could take his place in the Chapter. No-one can replace John, but having Malcolm in the group helps keep his memory very much alive."


United Kingdom
Olympian Feat by Olympus Chapter

Leyland's Olympus Chapter may not be Lancashire's biggest BNI group or even the loudest. But they are definitely the proudest, having been named the county's "Chapter of the Year" at the recent regional awards night. They were rewarded for their quality of referrals and consistently high standards.

Jackie Williams who serves on the Membership Committee said: "I think we apply BNI's rules more strictly than some chapters. Prospective new members are interviewed at length by the membership committee to ensure we attract quality, not quantity. We won't tolerate absenteeism nor allow fudged contributions. We run a very tight ship which is probably one reason we won the award."

"Bringing in the right new people adds vibrancy and introduces us to new contacts. Visitors are always impressed by the 'buzz' we generate at our meetings, and by the serious amount of business they see changing hands. Receiving this award proves that small can be beautiful!"


United Kingdom
Five Star Cheltenham

FIVE OF THE BEST! Cheltenham's award winners: Diana Beaver, Kirsty Merriman, Angie Freeman and Simon Kershaw, pictured with Chapter Director Louisa Evans in the center.

Cheltenham Chapter turned its regular breakfast meeting into a celebration of success when no fewer than five awards were presented.

For the third year running, the group received the prestigious Founders Award — accepted by Chapter Director Louisa Evans — for the chapter's outstanding contribution to BNI. The award is personally approved by BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner and goes to the top 10% of chapters for their attitude, performance and commitment.

The chapter also recognised individual top performances from members. Certificates were presented to Simon Kershaw of SK Refrigeration, for passing an amazing 394 referrals in the chapter last year and to Diana Beaver of People Solutions, for introducing 26 visitors during 2004. Two other members, Angie Freeman an account executive with the Jelf Group, and Kirsty Merriman of stationery and office equipment firm Beaverpark, were also recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Louisa said: "It was a brilliant start to the year, and an inspiration to us all. I just hope we can make 2005 another great year for Cheltenham."