Independent business group Bristol Breakfast Networking (BBN) is to launch a fortnightly meeting for the northern part of the city to meet demand from its expanding membership.
BBN was set up 18 years ago for the benefit of small business owners in Bristol area. But over recent months it has enjoyed strong membership growth, reaching the capacity of 40 people at the meetings hosted at its current home, Ashton Gate Stadium in the south of the city.
Now the group’s committee is to stage regular breakfast meetings at The Manor at Old Down Estate in Tockington, South Gloucestershire – providing a new opportunity for the small business community in the northern part of Bristol to forge connections and receive quality referrals to new clients and customers.
The fortnightly northern and southern BBN breakfast meetings will alternate on Thursday mornings, with the new group’s inaugural session on May 17.
Since BBN was founded by Chris Holloway, owner of Manor Printing Services in Wotton-under-Edge, and management accountant David Johnson, many millions of pounds in business has passed between its members – including £800,000 in the past 12 months alone.
Current chair Matt Richardson, owner of Hanham-based corporate gifts firm Recognition Express, said: “The group’s had an unprecedented level of growth over the past two years and, with 40 members meeting regularly, it’s not practical to have any more in one room.
“Our model’s proving to be really attractive – we meet fortnightly rather than weekly, without much of the pressure and formality associated with some other networking organisations.
“We’ve had so many inquiries from prospective members and we felt the time was right to launch Bristol Breakfast Networking north of the city.”
The not-for-profit group has an annual membership fee of just £120 per year. It also raises significant funds for charity, donating £9,000 to local good causes last year.
Chris Holloway added: “When I started the group with David all those years ago we were looking to offer something different from the normal breakfast networking meetings. We’ve made an effort to up the ante during the past three years and it’s really paid off, with growing membership and an improved online presence.
“Old Down Estate is the perfect location for our new group. We’re looking forward to welcoming some new businesses into the fold and continue to grow the network and its reputation.”
Old Down Estate sales and events manager Lucy Hicks is excited about welcoming Bristol Breakfast Networking to the venue.
“We have a beautiful manor house alongside a rustic barn and a cellar nightclub, as well as 66 acres of grounds with several beautiful spots to hold a marquee or team building,” she said.
“So we are really keen to make new links with the business community in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and this move by BBN is exactly the kind of relationship we were looking for.
“It’s an early start every other Thursday but both myself and our chefs are looking forward to provide the perfect setting for some quality business networking.”
BBN North breakfast meetings will start at 6.45am every other Thursday, beginning on May 17.
Pictured, BBN’s leadership committee, from left: Ben Hortop of Digital Unlimited, Matt Richardson of Recognition Express; Lucy Hicks of Old Down Estate; Chris Holloway of Manor Printing Services and Usman Yaqub of Studio Yaqub
