List of Speakers and Dates

Next Meetings and Ten Minute Speakers:

22 January - Steve Hayward, EcoKleaners - expert cleaning for antique rugs, stone floors, carpets & upholstery
05 February – Debbie Watkins, Harlow Occupational Health Services
19 February – Norma Ingle, Kendlebell (South East)
05 March – Simon Rose Optometrics

Welcome to The Stansted Business Breakfast

The Stansted Business Breakfast meets every other Friday at 7.00 a.m in the main restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel Stansted. And we’d like you to join us.

Most business networking clubs have a fixed membership with strict controls on who can join and who can visit. We’re different. We believe that leads can be passed on, connections can be made and deals can be struck as a result of unscheduled, one-off encounters.

Who you’ll meet
Stansted Business Breakfast was founded by a team of executives spanning a range of business sectors including consultancy, IT, marketing, security and professional trades & crafts. The core group meets every other Friday but our unique ‘open-door’ policy means you’re never quite sure who else you’re going to meet or what new business opportunities you’re going to discover!

You’re welcome!
Check this calendar for the date of our next get-together. There’s nothing to pay other than the cost of your breakfast, and there’s no need to book in advance. Just come to the main hotel reception desk and ask for Stansted Business Breakfast.

SBB’s Healthy Option

It was always going to be a popular meeting in anticipation of HOHS’ first-aid demos. Consequently, a ‘healthy’ twenty-five business executives comprised the latest SBB.

Trend shows increase in visitor activity to Jan 2010

Underlining our growing popularity are the web stats with an average of 15 visits per day to the SBB Blogs. OK it’s not Amazon but the trend is up! Moreover, members who tweet regularly have their micro-blogs displayed. Think of them as free small ads!

During our one-minute sessions Richard Franklin Omdeco reminded us about the benefits of an out-door home office, Jon Woolmer about perimeter security, Geoff  Todd(terra-firma) garden maintenance and Dr F Mahmood about keeping utility bills under control.

Bob Gray (Stortford Stationers) was pleased to receive several new business referrals. Elaine Fisher described how her design and marketing acumen helped launch a six foot sub - contact her for more details! 60’s and sensational founder Cindy Lessing spoke about the interest generated in Belgium, having featured in a flemish national morning supplement.

HOHS offer on-site First Aid training

Predictably, one or two members chose the healthy fruit option for breakfast before volunteering for a mini check up with HOHS. During Debbie’s presentation, Denise measured cholosterol and blood pressure levels. As far as we know, nobody was advised to visit their GP pronto!

Harlow Occupational Health Service provide the means for businesses to employ a healthy and motivated workforce. They offer health assessments, screening, on-site health advisors and physician, first aid training and travel vaccinations. For more information check out their website or contact MD Debbie Watkins.

NB. New followers on Twitter get a mention here – check out gents formal hire, Clermont Direct , TBN business network in Kentucky and Cincinnati and entrepreneur and business writer John Assaraf.

Next meeting 19th – Norma Ingle presenting Kendlebell.

SBB’s tapestry of business threads

SBB was back in the groove with twenty-seven members and visitors providing a lively atmosphere. Welcome guests included Geoff Todd from Chelsea medal landscapers Terra Firma, graphic designer Elaine Fisher, finance expert, Jack Lessing, Kris Rutland from mortgage advisors genesis and Nathan Daniels presenting leather shooting accessories. We were also very pleased to see the return of John Woolmer (classic wrought iron gates and railings).

During the mini-presentations IBS business advisor, Rob Conroy highlighted monthly workshops commencing February. The opening session looks at the importance of setting goals. Follow-up workshops focus on making money, meeting customer needs and sales principles. Contact Rob for more details via robconroy@iconbusinesssolutions.com .

ATP Director, Steve Daniels unveiled their energy solutions for private equity firms through a new brochure featuring a carbon reduction management systems. Check out their website for more information.

Style guru, Cyndy Lessing from 60andsensational (. . . for women who are not prepared to be invisible) is seeking connections to women’s business groups similar to those we follow on Twitter. If you represent such a group in the UK or indeed overseas, you can contact Cindy via her website.

Meanwhile, David Holme, Cartouche London sought a contact at a Hertford event organiser and our Chairman came up trumps! – Thanks David Hatmil.

After breakfast, Steve Hayward, the MD of Eco Klean UK drew attention to their “Rug Spa” facilities for cleaning, repairing and restoring oriental and handmade rugs. In addition to the fire or flood damage services,  Steve’s team provide expert repairs for fringe damage, side cords, tears, holes and worn areas. So if that expensive old rug is showing signs of distortion or rucking, contact Steve for expert advice.

In our next meet Debbie Watkins, MD of HOHS demonstrates life-saving first aid skills – no shortage of volunteer patients here! You can join us too, for the price of the breakfast, 5th February. Just advise us beforehand.

NB – We are pleased to welcome new followers on Twitter to stanstedbusbrek including:- LAtraders (stock trading coach), marketing_4_u (SEO tips), LondonNet (web guide), IvanMisner! (Mr BNI) and LDN (check out their link to Slow Down London).

Direct Marketing Services

Company:  Direct Marketing Services
Contact:     Sue Ellen
Tel:            01376 573 760
e-mail:      enquiries@directmarketingservices.co.uk
Web:       http://www.directmarketingservices.co.uk/index.html
DMS offer a full range of telemarketing services in business and consumer marketplaces in London and Essex.

Lead Generation | Appointment Setting | Database Verification | Mystery Shopping 
Mailer Follow Up | Telephone Surveys | Telephone Marketing | Order Processing
Brochure Requests | Information Lines | Advertisement Response

SBB – Safe as Houses

Icy conditions put paid to a big turnout at the first SBB breakfast for 2010. However, for those hardy perennials braving the sub-zero temperatures, the meeting took on it’s very own vibe.

First time visitor, John Woolmer (classic wrought iron design and fabrication) presented an extensive portfolio of wrought iron gates and ornate border railings. His engineering background and in-house workshop provide security and style for domestic and commercial clients. Contact John j_kwoolmer@ntlworld.com

Simon Rose, Head of Rose Optometrists explained how they are helping our Olympic sharpshooters aim for gold in 2012 by correcting minor sight defects. Incidentally, you should really, really check out Simon’s Youtube video – best accessed through the website.

Cartouche MD David Holme discussed a printing assignment for a global investment bank. Cleared for printing on Christmas Eve, representatives in Dubai, Bahrain and Frankfurt needed the report before the New Year. In a separate project, the latest catalogue for the Estorick Collection, David was surprised to hear his subject discussed on Stephen Fry’s Qi. View the links for details.

In the 10-minute presentation, Eric Chorley from Guardhome provided a fully inter-active presentation on home security. Deploying the latest electronic and Wifi technologies Eric described how Guardhome can help us improve security. Eric demonstrated the latest intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, home automation and personal alarms. Many of the SBB team operate a Guardhome system and they had nothing but praise for the system, installation and after-sales care.

If you are considering home or business premises security, contact Guardhome and do yourself a favour.

NB – SBB encourages companies in Bishops Stortford, Great Dunmow, Harlow, Saffron Waldron and Cambridge to look us up.

Kendlebell (South East)

Company:  Kendlebell Limited
Contact:     Norma Ingle
Tel:            0844 669 7901
Fax:           0844 669 7902
e-mail:      norma.ingle@kendlebell.co.uk
Web:       http://www.kbsoutheast.co.uk/

Kendlebell provide a personal telephone answering service helping you to run your business efficiently and profitably. You can do this without having staff, offices, or even your own telephone. We help clients reduce their costs and boost their sales.

Flexible tarrifs from £35+VAT per month
Calls answered in your own company name
Easy set up
Virtual Office Services provided by real people
You can call your PA’s any time between 8.30am and 6pm – Mon to Fri
Messages relayed via telephone, email or SMS

SBB calls for the AA

6 January 2010
Let 2010 be a prosperous New Year for all members, friends and associates.
There are three ways to engage with the SBB group:-
1. Join us at our bi-weekly meetings – no commitment, no pressure, just visit us whenever it suits. All we ask is to advise us beforehand – for catering numbers.
2. Join our LinkedIn group and we will keep you up-to-dated.
3. Follow us on Twitter, for meeting updates and blog stats – plus connections with different networking groups.

In our next meeting on Friday 8th, Financial Consultant, Jeff Slade will introduce JBE Associates. Moreover, security expert Eric Chorley will explain the latest smart home security systems. Our next post will carry more details.

In our last meeting, we welcomed property manager Bryan Hunt. Business Development Manager from Clarke Hillyer, Harlow Bryan is seeking connections in the sector.

In her presentation Lisa Symons, provided insight about the tradition, craftsmanship and quality that embodies Abbey Antiques furnishings. Every piece is a labour of love and has a story to tell. The company video demonstrated how they restore old or damaged furniture to pristine condition and manufacturing new designs to the highest quality. The film also showed several completed commissions, including period restorations and a smart new bar installation.

You can check out more at www.abbeyantiques.net  When your furniture breaks down call the AA!

SBB – Sparky Returns

27 November

It was pleasing to welcome back former SBBer Tony Bewers for a visit. Tony’s business, PMR Electrical based in Colchester covers all Essex, Herts and London. Having collaborated with WiFi security expert Eric Chorley (Guardhome), he came along to the SBB to lend support. PMR Electrical focus on commercial installations, consequently if you know of firms re-locating, Tony would be grateful for the call. We were also pleased to see Geoff Todd from Terra Firma landscape services and Dave New from Artisan Decorators.

During our brief presentations, Norma Ingle (Kendlebell) drew attention to their SME support services including credit control. Cyndy Lessing promoted her new website for stylish women and Bob Gray spoke about Stortford Stationer’s web-busting prices.

With breakfast concluded, we reconvened in the meeting room to hear David Hatmil describe how ICTS have become a leading name in international security circles. They provide integrated security systems covering transport, canine and manpower services. David is the business development manager for the manpower division and is responsible for negotiating large scale contracts in the public and private sector.

ICTS provide security in a wide range of sectors from food chains to airports, universities to private homes, commercial premises to public areas. They view their key strength is the ability to identify clients needs, the circumstances and the environment and deliver a service to match.

Footnote – Saturday 21 Nov

SBB member Mitch Horner with his trio, played an entertaining acoustic set at Collier Row Catholic Club. Supported by Angela and friends, they raised over £500 towards the 4th Collier Row Scouts Troup. Performing melodic tunes penned by Crowded House, Alanis Morrisette and Paul McCartney before ending on a high with vintage Who.
Great night Mitch, look forward to the next!

SBB Xmas Party Pics 09

5 December

The SBB team were in party spirit on Saturday at the 007 Xmas party. OHMSS secret security expert Eric “Brook Bond” Chorley caught the attention of our “Spectre” style guru Cindy Lessing to win the George Lazenby look-a-like contest.

Here is the evidence:-

Mitch helps with the “Oddjob” of choosing pressies

Blofeld considers his next dastardly plan

Miss Moneypenny marvels at her latest poison tipped slippers

Bond mulls over his next assignment in the Caribbean

Brooke Bond and his assistant Lisa (Tiffany Case) uncover the plot

Isabel shows off her “Moonraker” boots

Lisa calls the shots ably assisted by Isabel

Bond tests his powers of seduction

Q and M keep a goldeneye on Bond

SBB – No Pressure

During the past few weeks, four local executives joined our LI group. Representing sectors from assurance, insurance, transportation and IT, their combined expertise range human resources, document management and risk assessment. Furthermore, we are pleased to welcome RAM Mailing, digital printer Magic Mouse and designers Adam Lord and Mischievous Media to our Twitter site.

First time visitors on Friday included graphic designer Elaine Fisher and Dave New representing Artisan Decorators. We also welcomed the return of company doctor Martin Smith and Alan Radford, Client Services Director for Bird Luckin.

Kicking off our minute presentations, optometrist Simon Rose introduced their new home treatment service. Mitch Horner described a recent project involving home-working facilities and Stephan Hayward, EcoKlean, spoke about techniques for cleaning expensive oriental silk carpets.

Mike Symonds restoring an antique barometer

After breakfast, Mike Symonds demonstrated his passion for repairing and restoring antique clocks, barometers and automatons. One of his more challenging restorations involved the complete dismantling, overhauling and cleaning of a late 19th century pendulum clock lost during the Russian revolution. You can view the outstanding results at Mike’s website.

At our previous meeting on October 30, Rob Thacker, Sales Manager of insurance brokers Pound Gates explained how they provide bespoke insurance broking and risk management services for companies.

Visitors are welcome to join in our meetings as often as they like and remember there’s no pressure to commit.

SBB’s Pool of Talent

SBBs website traffic - monthly from Jan 08 to Sept 09

The pool of talent drawn to SBB continues to develop. Experts in ICT, security, procurement, marketing and business support gather every other week to share their knowledge. Present at this week’s meeting for their first visit were Ray Snow, MD of Res Info-Tech and Company Doctor Martin Smith. Moreover, Kendlebell’s MD Norma Ingle made a welcome return.

During the quick-fire presentations, Norma outlined how Kendlebell’s telephone answering services helps clients keep connected to their customers. Ray explained that Res Info-Tech offer bespoke and desk side IT training programmes. Clients find this a more convenient way to get staff up-to-speed on the latest Microsoft applications. Martin Smith from Dallas Martin is an experienced Company Doctor and freelance company accountant. Martin helps business owners solve cash flow problems and increase profits.

We also heard that Eric Chorley (Guardhome) received a clean bill of health from Harlow Occupational Health Service. Pam Lewis, (Roy Bell Wall coverings) provided the entertainment by gyrating with her curtain tassels and Simon Rose offered packs of spectacle wipes.

Mitch Horner

Following breakfast, we adjourned to one of the conference rooms to learn more about Horner Office Solutions. MD, Mitch Horner explained how HOS have expanded their range of services from office removals to office planning and fitting, furniture refurbishment, and storage and secure PC disposal.

Presenting Horner Office Solutions

The most recent development, disposing of obsolete computers, printers and peripherals is fast becoming a key area of business. Most computer hardware is classed as hazardous waste and under the WEEE directive; companies can face stiff penalties for unregulated disposal.

Mitch provided before-and-after pictures showing recent office fitting projects, the most notable being the new production office for TV’s Top Gear program. He was keen to emphasise that for office refurbishment assignments they often collaborate with the AA, Abbey Antiques! Therefore, if you are responsible for building management, planning office spaces or disaster recovery then Mitch Horner should be pleased to hear from you.

Colleagues who can’t get to our meetings can participate through the LinkedIn Stansted Business Breakfast group. We are currently showing 21 members including Simon Gomez (TPP Newman), Tom Croft (PH Media), Roy Harris (Change Development), Paul Smith (Digital Marketing & Creative), Amanda Palumbo (Blackbird Graphic Design), Adrienne Lowing  (Words Worth PR), Nik Fox (Sapphire Group) and Virginia Henry (Consultant Knowledge Manager). Incidentally, Simon posted a discussion relating to recruitment services in the Essex area. Can we provide him some feedback?

We are also growing our twitter network. New followers include dallaswillcox, Richard Hare, roystonsimpson, BSceneWales, CEME_IC, officeneeds, UKBusinessLabs, harlowchamber, marketing_lady, spicynetworking and no_office.

Feel free to access SBB through Twitter, LinkedIn or even breakfast!