When new members first join Wealden Business Group, they are more than impressed with its key attributes – that meetings are enjoyable, informative, supportive and non-pressurised.
Unlike some other business networking groups, WBG does not demand that members exchange business leads every week. The group accepts that business simply doesn’t work that way, but that sales leads will naturally and inevitably occur.
Certainly it is a policy that works. Since January, more than 150 business referrals have been exchanged between the group’s 26 members.
Apart from the opportunity to stand up every week, and make a one minute pitch to fellow members, the group also has a lively social scene, and is active in charity fundraising – this year, WBG is supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association – as well as running a Curry Club and giving members free-of-charge business books.
External speakers in recent weeks have included Tanith Brown from the Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden; Paul Barron from the Kent Foundation, which supports young Kent entrepreneurs; Marcus Van Der Gaag, from the UK Electric Bike Centre; and motivational speaker Sarah-Anne Lucas, on how to maximise business energy and performance.
All that, and a full English breakfast (or lighter alternative, if you prefer!) at weekly meetings, which are held at 7am at The Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden. Meetings are always concluded by 8.30am, allowing members to be at their desks by 9am.
If you would like to apply for membership, contact WBG secretary Dee Bateman at [email protected] tel: 07958 612937.