Wednesday breakfast meetings
WBG members meet for a 7am breakfast at a venue in Tenterden every Wednesday. Details of the venue can be obtained from the secretary at wealdenbusinessgroup@gmail.com
After breakfast (full English, if that is your preference!) each attendee has about a minute to stand up and tell members about his or her business offering.
There is also a half-hour presentation. These may be from external speakers on business issues (but not exclusively so), and once or twice a month one of our own members has the opportunity to make a 30 minute presentation.
The meetings normally finish at about 8.30am, allowing members to be at work by 9am, although some take this time as an opportunity to mingle with members and receive, or give, business referrals.
Social events
WBG is a friendly and sociable group.
In addition to the serious business of referrals, there is a programme of social events, including Awaydays to places of interest – recent outings have been to the Houses of Parliament, the Shepherd Neame brewery, go karting and trips to the continent.
Every year, there is a Christmas dinner for members and their partners.
And, as WBG is an associate member of the Tenterden & District Chamber of Commerce, there is also an opportunity to attend their networking meetings and social events.
Charity Fundraising
Every year, the newly elected chair picks a charity of his or her choice, and the group supports this by inviting a speaker from the selected charity to make a presentation, and each week a cup is passed round the table for voluntary modest donations (normally a pound or two per member).
The group also organises events for charitable fundraising. This provides an opportunity for members to invite along business contacts, friends and family, as well as raising funds for the charity.
The Book Club
We read and review one or two books a year selected by a member. These may be about business issues, written by successful entrepreneurs, or on leadership and motivational skills. They are selected on the basis of being ‘a good read’, and with valuable information for men and women running their own businesses.
