‘Survival of small companies is vital to local economy’
A BUSINESS network which supported more than 200 companies during three Covid-19 lockdowns is opening up face-to-face meetings again – and is launching groups across Staffordshire.
BNI held weekly meetings online for much of 2020 and 2021, allowing member companies to continue to work together and pass business referrals.
But several groups have now resumed weekly face-to-face meetings with some being held at new venues, including Newcastle-under-lyme Golf Club and Stafford Rugby Club.
Now BNI Staffordshire is launching new groups throughout the county in areas including Burslem, Endon and Lichfield, with two further groups being offered for online only networking.
Tony Altham, executive director at BNI Staffordshire, said: “It’s been a tough 2020 and 2021 for many businesses, but we are proud to have kept BNI running, supporting our members and allowing them to pass more than £11.6 million in business.
“Referrals and cooperative working are the lifeblood of Staffordshire’s small and medium sized companies and the survival of these enterprises is crucial to the local economy.
“Following a ruling from our parent body, BNI International, we were able to offer each of our Staffordshire groups the chance to vote on returning to weekly face-to-face networking.
“Three groups in North Staffordshire are now back to full face-to-face meetings, with two more holding test meetings.”
Tony added: “BNI Staffordshire wants to support businesses as they bounce back from the pandemic lockdowns, so we are adding additional groups.
“Work is underway to launch a group to be known as BNI Mother Town in Burslem, we’re also establishing a presence in Lichfield.”