Page 11 - Real Rochdale Issue 17 Spring 2023

Best in region for Rochdale BNI “You pass referrals in the

hope that someone else will
pass back to you. You can
ask for specific contacts and
being part of Rochdale BNI
gives you the strength in
business that you wouldn’t
have had.

“As soon as I joined, we had
thousands of pounds of
business passed to us, and it
really helped with exposure.
Being part of BNI has also
enabled us to showcase
other things we do that
aren’t about profit, such as
offering advice to people.

“I’m really, really proud to be
part of the group.”

John Fitton, the group’s
president and managing
director at Office Supplies
Now, said: “I’m proud to be
Steve Worrall, Kerry Hargreaves, John Fitton, Mike Holman, Ian Madeley and Ian Cunningham the President of BNI
Rochdale, it’s been a
fantastic success with
The Rochdale chapter of Business Network International £300,000 of invoiced

has become the most successful group in its region. business being passed
between the members since
we started.
Rochdale BNI – part of a worldwide Since its inception, over £280,000 of
business referral organisation – was set up business has been shared in the group, “BNI gives us the tools to
in April 2022 by five founding members: which has members from different monitor our success but first region, of 20 chapters, but business created is
John Fitton, Ian Madeley, Ian Cunningham, industries, such as IT support, estate agency, and foremost we’re a group more impressively, we are exceptional.
Steve Worrall and Kerry Hargreaves. travel, dentistry, financial advice. of local people helping each 10th of 470 chapters
other be more successful.” nationwide. “The fact that the group has
Just a year after being set up, the group has On the whole, Business Network already surpassed 30
quickly grown to a membership of over 30 International has around 288,000 members Vice president Jack Lyons, “We regularly welcome members is a testament to the
local businesses and is the most successful in over 10,000 chapters worldwide. of Mysonpages, added: “Our visitors to network with the passion and ambition of
BNI group in its region and 10th in the intention this year is to be a members, learn more about Rochdale businesses and I
nation. Kerry Hargreaves, from AST Hampsons group sharing £1,000,000 of BNI and how to join.” wish the group continued
and one of the founding members, says she business between the success.”
On average, 92 referrals of business are jumped at the chance to be a part of it. members, and we are well on Mike Holman, BNI’s Executive
passed between the members each month. track to do this. Director said: “I am extremely The Rochdale BNI meets on
At the time of print, 134 referrals were “I could see the benefit immediately. I could proud to see what the group Thursday mornings 7am at
passed at the most recent meeting, and recognise the value and wanted in. I love “We are currently the has achieved. The quality of Rochdale AFC, Sandy Lane,
£51,000 of invoiced business confirmed. networking and enjoy meeting new people.” number one chapter in the the individuals and the Rochdale, OL11 5DR.