Business Networks are integral to creating new business opportunities; helping like-minded business people recognise, create, and act upon new growth ideas. They are a great way of meeting like-minded people in business, as contacts to trade with and to share and gain business support. Face-to-face networking is a great tool for establishing business rapport and developing high quality business relationships and referrals. There are many online business social networks to help you extend your circle of business contacts and promote your business. Here is a sample of networks that will help you build up your circle of business partners making it easier to keep in touch with your business contacts.
BNI UK BNI UK is a global networking referral organisation with over 13,000 members in the UK and Ireland, passing nearly 680,000 referrals worth over £339 million every year! There are over 600 BNI groups in the UK and Ireland to choose from. To find out more 01923 891 999 or email bniuk@eurobni.com.
Business Crowd is the UK’s leading digital-business hub providing visibility for small business services. They work with over 200 advisors made up of owners and CEO’s to share insight, knowledge and inspiring stories. Their Advice and Discussion services allows you to join and create communities. They also offer Business Pages so you can be found locally.
Business South Business South is a business engagement organisation that unites business leaders to drive economic prosperity, with the aim of making the region a great place to work, invest, study, live and enjoy.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Wessex Region The Federation of Small Businesses promotes and protects the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms through lobbying, events and advice to its members, for more details call 01425 280 080 or visit http://www.fsb.org.uk/events.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Alliance (HIBA) This County-based Alliance is leading the Business Support community to share their services more widely, working together for mutual advantage. This cohesive approach aims to cut duplication and the cost of Business Support. HIBA Partners include: Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight offices of the British Marine Federation, the EEF manufacturers association, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Enterprise Alliance. For more details call 01329 223 270 or info@hampshireiowbusinessalliance.co.uk.
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce The Chamber offers events and networking opportunities for members. The Events programme has something for everyone whether you like Breakfast meetings or prefer something in the early evening. Lunches can be informal over a buffet, structured Speed Networking or a more formal sit down lunch with a topical speaker. The Chamber also offers a programme of free Pure Networking events for our members. For more details call 01329 242 420.
Hampshire Enterprise Circle Hampshire Enterprise Circle is run by Hampshire County Council and aims to stimulate investment and encourage business development in the county. There are now over 1,500 Enterprise Ambassadors from the business community signed up to the scheme, who during the course of their business and private lives promote business and support the economy of Hampshire. To find out more about the Hampshire Enterprise Circle call 01962 845 745 or email michelle.mcclean@hants.gov.uk.
Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation offering networking opportunities. Call 01983 520 777 for more information.
Institute of Directors (IOD) South The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Branch is one of the IoD’s largest. Its aim is to provide the services required by members, support the development of corporate Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and be the voice of business leaders in the area.
Medina Business Exchange is a networking group of Isle of Wight businesses. Phone 01983 533 938 for more details.
National Enterprise Network NEN is the only membership body in England representing those working in the enterprise support sector.
Solent India Business Network The Solent India Business Network (SIBN) is an independent not-for-profit company that brings together business people from the Indian and Solent region business communities, to share knowledge, networks and know-how.
Wight Buzz Call 07779 239 122 for more information.