List of Speakers and Dates

Next Meetings and Ten Minute Speakers:

 

27 November 
5 December – Xmas Party
11 December

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 SAS 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 – 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!

Stortford Stationery Ltd

Company:  Stortford Stationery Ltd

Contact:     Bob Gray

Tel:            01279 703030

Fax:           01279 703031

e-mail:        orders@stortfordstationery.com

Suppliers of all Office Products with free delivery. Specialising in printer cartridges with very competitive prices for both Original and Compatibles.

SBB – More Offers and Discounts

A contingent of twenty members and guests attended the latest SBB to discuss business, network and introduce their businesses. Geoff Todd, director of award winning landscape gardeners Terra Firma described his exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show. Tim Davey, from photographers Flux Studio explained how their expertise of still life and pack-shots help sell designer furnishings.

During the quick-fire presentations fitness instructor, Nicole Wright, Energie drew attention to her in-home fitness service. Stephan Hayward, ECO Klean explained how his customers have come to rely on his versatility to arrange building maintenance and provide cleaning consumables in addition to his core cleaning activities.

Cathy Prested, MD of funky casinos, is seeking links with organisations that plan company Christmas parties. Her company provides the tables, roulette wheels and croupiers for party gambling. David Holme, Cartouche sought referrals from travel groups exhibiting at WTM 09.

Rose Optometrists boss, Simon invited members and their friends to the re-opening of his newly refurbished Harlow optician’s studio. Furthermore, he is offering introductory free contact lenses to SBB members and their families. Clearly, there is no better time to join SBB? Discounted breakfast, subsidised Christmas party and free lenses!

Social secretary Lisa Symons from the AA advised the group to save the date (5 Dec) for the Xmas Party and that 24 places had already been reserved. Later that evening, Lisa and her colleagues at Abbey Antiques won the customer care award at Essex Business Excellence. Congratulations to Lisa and her team.

In the ten minute slot Sue Ellen described how DMS provides telemarketing services for lead generation, appointment setting, mystery shopping and database verification. This leads to more accurate and successful marketing.

If you would like to visit SBB without obligation, you are most welcome. No pressure to join, just come at your pleasure. If you would like to join, contact Eric Chorley, Guardhome Security for details.You can also follow us on Twitter and join our LinkedIn Group.

SBB – Specs Offer!

4th September 09
Friday’s SBB meeting welcomed guests Simon Rose owner of Rose Optometrists and Business Link Adviser Tony Barritt.

Rose Optometrists are in the process of enlarging their Harlow outlet to compliment their existing stores in Waltham Cross, Ilford and Hackney. In addition to providing expert optical treatments they also offer sports vision assessments and work with top Premiership football and rugby teams and several aspiring Olympic athletes. Simon generously offered a discounted consultation and free lenses to interested SBB members.

Business Link adviser, Tony Barritt operates out of the Harlow Enterprise Hub covering businesses between London and Cambridge. Tony’s expertise lies in the corporate marketing sector and he is keen to help business communicate more effectively. He reminded the group to register details on their supplier brokerage website. This is a business-to-business interface aimed at encouraging local sourcing and procurement.

During the mini-presentations we heard how Horner Office Solutions helps corporates avoid disruption during office installations, removals and refurbs.  They do this by applying military style planning, precision and detail to each assignment. This is just as well, since they count the National Army Museum as a customer!

Debbie Watkins MD of HOHS highlighted the benefit of employee health assessments, particularly at the recruitment stage. For as little as £25, companies can screen applicants to make sure that previous or underlying health issues are identified prior to recruitment.  Nigel Fisher was keen to learn more, since Computer Confidence have secured a large contract from a UK utilities group – he is considering taking on more staff.

Health and well-being issues are also the concern of Lyne Driscoll Associates. Lyne is an expert practitioner of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the workplace. From her practice in High Wych, Sawbridgeworth, services include resolving behavioural difficulties, overcoming stress and helping in relationship problems. From quitting smoking to eliminating the fear of flying, Lyne and her associates can usually sort it out.

Our next meeting, 18 September features Omdeco and visitors are very welcome. Follow and contribute to the SBB blog by searching for Stansted Business Breakfast on LinkedIn and stanstedbusbrek on Twitter.

SBB – Essex Business Excellence

Regulars of Stansted Business Breakfast are delighted to congratulate Jenny Cook, Marketing Director at Bird Luckin who became a chartered marketer earlier this month. Well done Jenny!

Bird Luckin Accountants, supporters of local business in Essex are major sponsors of the forthcoming Essex Business Excellence awards. Those of us at SBB will be especially interested in the outcome of the customer care award, particularly since Abbey Antiques are among the finalist. As a past business award winner, Lisa Symons recognises their contribution towards enhancing reputations, not to mention the extra free publicity!

During the 10-minute company presentation, we learnt how Stortford Stationery are offering their customers big discounts on printer cartridges, paper supplies and a whole range of office supplies. You can place orders or get quotes via orders@stortfordstationery.com

NB Follow join our virtual group on LinkedIn or follow stanstedbusbrek on Twitter.

Next meeting 4th September

ICTS (UK) Ltd

Industry: Manned security guarding & integrated security services
Overview: Provision of uniformed security officers; mobile patrols and concierge/reception security services
Business Sectors: NHS; Rail; Education; Ports; Commercial; Retail
USP’s: Dedicated contract management for each client/monthly recurrent training programme for all of our officers
Referrals: Contacts in – the rail industry; universities; NHS; property; MOD
Contact: DAVID HATMIL
 david.hatmil@icts.co.uk 
07802 575679

Harlow Occupational Health Service

contact – Debbie Watkins
telephone – 01279 422377
e-mail – enquiries@hohs.org
website – www.hohs.org

We aim to provide the very best medical advice and customer care which assists companies to improve their productivity and profitability.  This is achieved through pre-employment screenings and medical assessments. 

We also undertake COSHH health surveillance and first aid training.

 Other services include: vision screening, audiometry, physiotherapy, life-style and executive health screenings.  As well as providing all routine occupational health services, we have capabilities to undertake through partnerships the following:

-  ICAS – 24 hour telephone advice/counselling
-  Safety consultants
-  Hygienist

Swine Flu information – protect your business – guidance leaflet available via our website

SBB Bite-Size Masterclass

7th August 09

The latest SBB breakfast followed a different format to the regular meetings by accommodating face-to-face discussions and a valuable bite-size seminar.

The purpose of these individual meetings was to learn a little more about your partner’s business, share knowledge, offer advice and discuss common problems. Owners running SME’s rarely get the opportunity to discuss areas of concern with like-minded colleagues.

Eric Chorley (Guardhome) and I (Cartouche) considered the value of advertising in the local press and Google. We also compared notes on social-media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

With breakfast over, Rob Conroy from Icon Business Solutions presented a business master class highlighting the value of customer testimonials and case studies.

Rob identified that they are an effective method of underlining sales pitches. Thus, allowing the presenter to tell the story behind solving a problem or overcoming a challenge. He addressed the sensitivities of first obtaining client testimonials and then having permission to publish on the Web, in brochures or for tenders.

Thanks to Rob for highlighting this powerful marketing technique.

Our next meeting, 21st August, will follow the usual format and visitors are very welcome.You can follow and contribute to the SBB blog by searching for the Stansted Business Breakfast on LinkedIn, WordPress and now Twitter.

Become a virtual member or follower, post comments and if you are in the Stansted area when we meet, join in.

SBB – Top Glass

10th July 09

This week David Hatmil (ICTS Security) demonstrated the value of SBB by describing how Rob Thacker (Pound Gates) and he collaborated to secure a substantial business deal for his new company. Moreover, we have many other examples of successful business and referrals between members and their associates.

The group enjoyed another healthy turnout and we were pleased to welcome Energie personal trainer Nicole Wright and Lorna Finlay, Sales Director for Flying Colours. Based in Ipswich, Lorna’s company has attracted glowing testimonials from satisfied clients in the design and advertising sectors.

We also had the pleasure of Debbie Watkins (Harlow Occupational Health Service), Cathy Prested (Funky Casinos) and Stephan Hayward (ECO Kleaners). Since the membership update is planned for the next meeting, we should be pleased to welcome new members!

With breakfast completed, we adjourned to the conference room to hear Nicola Grace present her company Grace Glass Merchants.

Nicola from EW Grace Glass

A family run business, Grace Glass offers the whole range of glass products for homes, offices and premises. From conservatories, new windows and glass balustrades in the home to fire-rated glass, signs and commercial glazing in the workplace, Grace Glass have it covered.

Nicola was keen to point out the environmental advantages of double-glazing. In particular, how through their participation in the VEKA network provides fully guaranteed recyclable and recycled UPVC products. As European legislation on landfill tightens, Grace Glass provides genuine sustainable replacement solutions.

 

 

Follow Stansted Business Breakfast by joining our LinkedIn group. If you cannot attend a meeting, contribute comments and access the expertise our members offer. This week, check out Roy Bell Coverings for home furnishings, Style Talks to improve your image and contact Lynne Driscoll to help overcome any anxieties.

Next meetings 24th July, 7th & 21st August 07.00 start! Contact one of our group if you would like to join us.