We asked some of our members to tell us why they found Wealden Business Group so beneficial to their companies.
Case history
Justin Nelson, Nelsons Legal, Tenterden
“I have been a member of WBG for about 20 years, and for me, membership has not just been about receiving business referrals – although I’ve had plenty of those – but also the opportunity to access training sessions, for instance on Excel spreadsheets and Word.
“And it’s also the Group’s social activities which appeal to me, from our charitable fundraising events, to days out and our curry club.
“A few years ago, I changed my business model from offering a complete legal service to specialising in commercial work, including business acquisitions and disposals, leases, partnership and shareholders’ agreements and terms of business. Being a member of the Group helped me meet the challenge of making a fundamental change to my business.
“If I’m asked by a potential new member to explain the benefits of WBG, I naturally talk about referrals, but also the value of being linked to a wide variety of other businesses and building up long-term relationships. Which is why I have remained a member for almost 20 years.”
Further member testimonials
Being a member of WBG has been terrific for my business – I have worked for at least 75% of the members, and they have given me other referrals as well.
I was invited to a breakfast meeting by an existing WBG member – to be honest, my initial reaction is “this isn’t for me”, but I went along anyway.
However, almost immediately after that first meeting I applied to join, and was accepted. It’s been hugely beneficial, not just in terms of business leads, but also the support and advice I’ve had from other members in helping me build my business.
Because we are such a diverse group, I know that I can call on my colleagues for advice on subjects from finance to law, marketing to telecoms.
And it works both ways. I recently advised a member who has a house in France about fitting a bathroom. He was using a French plumber, and just wanted reassurance about what needed to be done and how much he should pay.
David Meredith, Busbys Chartered Accountants, Tenterden
The thing I like most about Wealden Business Group is that it is not pressurised, like so many other networking organisations. This makes for a more relaxed and mature forum, and for owner-managers of SMEs it offers plenty of friendly support and a lively social calendar, in addition to business leads from people you know and trust.
Richard Harvey, Richard Harvey PR
Membership of Wealden Business Group is, of course, about getting business through networking, but also much more: a friendly and sociable but business-aware environment for discussion and expert advice; training workshops; and optional social and charitable activities. With a book club, a curry club and golf days, this is not just networking – it’s WBG networking!
Justin Nelson, Nelsons Legal
Since joining the WBG in 1999 I have received business referrals, priceless advice and assistance, developed friendships, and been kept up to date with business trends, all in a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie.
Graham Card, Card & Company, Tenterden
We have been members of WBG for 4 years now. In that time, I have found the guest speaker presentations extremely informative and useful for my business. In addition, we have also secured a number of new clients, either fellow members or their contacts, which we simply would not have secured without being a member of the group. All in all, I consider WBG to be one of our key partners in our marketing strategy.
Simon Hammond, The Hammond Consultancy
The speakers and the contributions from other WBG members contribute to my continuous professional development, and I now have a new network of trusted professional specialists to support me both in business and in domestic work. I find that the early Wednesday morning breakfast meeting is energising, and gets me motivated in the middle of the week – and all that, in addition to the potential to find additional business! I wholeheartedly recommend WBG to other businesses.
John Kirkham , Employment Consultant