Since the dawn of time, humans have formed groups, communities, societies, tribes. It helped them pool and trade resources, approach each other for help, and protect themselves against difficult conditions and predators.
And it’s really no different for businesses. Did you know, for example, that over 50,000 businesses in the UK are members of the British Chambers of Commerce, through their local Chamber (of which we at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce are one)?
With the usual yearly flurry of cards, chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day has come and gone again.
But whilst we hope you and your beloved enjoyed the occasion, here at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce we believe in spreading the love all year round - in a strictly professional sense, of course.
The benefits of networking are well established. When businesses come together, they can share knowledge, build connections, discover new opportunities and raise their profile. However, this only happens if you approach networking in the right way. Networking is like much else in life: you get out what you put in. But how can you make the most of networking events?
We have built Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce on five pillars: growth, grants and funding, export, referrals and introductions, networking and connections, and voice. We believe in giving businesses the support they need, whether that’s through introductions or funding, to grow and expand.
If you own a business in Bedfordshire or are looking for customers in Beds, you should certainly consider joining the Chamber.
Why? Because there’s a whole raft of benefits, explained below, from company promotion, to online networking and face-to-face events, to support and training, to global services – and much more besides.
(And if you’re an existing member, make sure you read this to ensure you are using your membership to its full advantage and not missing out!)
As the COVID-19 global health crisis brings uncertainty and elevated levels of stress and anxiety for small business owners, now, more than ever, is the time to come together and support each other.
Networking events are a great way to raise awareness of your business, gain advice, and make valuable connections to help you grow your network.
It’s back and bigger!
As we hurtle towards a relatively quiet season and well-deserved summer break – have you thought about ramping up your networking activity to provide the growth and momentum you need to start Q3 and Q4 strong?
Building your B2B network takes commitment and persistence, but success comes from the quality of your network over the quantity of contacts.
Seldom will you find an experienced networker who hasn’t once experienced the discomfort, fear and uncertainty you’re likely feeling (why else did you click on this post?) right now.
With the premier of our monthly networking event, Haiders Hub, we thought we’d share some of our tips for making the most out of your networking events.
• How confident are you in your business networking and your strategy?
• Are you unsure if your monthly minute is having the right impact?
• Are you getting the right contacts through your networking efforts?
• In fact, are you getting ANY contacts?
Despite the digitally dominated era we find ourselves in, networking opportunities are available in abundance.
It seems there is something to suit every personality type: informal coffee mornings, black tie evenings, seminars and workshops, formal business lunches, presentation and awards evenings, and even speed-networking.
The business landscape is notoriously disruptive, volatile and unpredictable. And for businesses to withstand this level of uncertainty, it’s not enough to simply have the best product, the best price, or even the best service.
We’ve previously written about how to approach networking to get the most out of it. And it’s worth getting it right as it can help you grow your business.
It’s in our nature as humans to connect and interact with others. But for too many - especially introverts - it can be daunting and intimidating. Others simply don't have the time or knowledge.
A £50,000 Velocity grant has prompted a £1million investment in pioneering new technologies, propelling a Bedford electronics firm to the forefront of its industry.
Commenting on the labour market statistics, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Provider Network are keen to hear views from employers across Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire about 16-24 Youth Unemployment and how you feel about Apprenticeships.
The University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub has teamed up with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to launch an innovative leadership and management training programme aimed at business professionals looking to develop their skills set.
Commenting on the government’s decisions today on National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2013, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
UltraVision CLPL is taking the manufacture of contact lenses to the next level and in support of this has employed Clinical Director, Lynn White MSc FCOptom and Engineering Manager, Nick Stonehouse. With a strong clinical and manufacturing team, UltraVision is poised for growth and ready to ensure the future development of the next generation of contact lens technology.
What does singer Adele have in common with Flitwick based fuel card business i-fuelcards Ltd? The answer is they’ve both trademarked their names. Nigel Webb, Business Development Manager at i-fuelcards Ltd, knew that in a competitive market it was essential to protect a brand that was establishing a great reputation.
From October 2013 all newly built commercial property completed between 1st October 2013 and 30th September 2016 will be exempt from empty property rates for the first 18 months (up to the state aids limit).
Tax cheats who become insolvent to dodge their companies’ tax obligations face up to five years’ scrutiny from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Do you own your own company? Do you need to attract more customers? Would you benefit from some marketing advice? A new documentary series about SMEs wants to hear from you.
Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget speech, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
Chamber member Luton Family Law has secured the national Law Society's law management quality mark, Lexcel.
Since the dawn of time, humans have formed groups, communities, societies, tribes. It helped them pool and trade resources, approach each other for help, and protect themselves against difficult conditions and predators.
And it’s really no different for businesses. Did you know, for example, that over 50,000 businesses in the UK are members of the British Chambers of Commerce, through their local Chamber (of which we at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce are one)?
With the usual yearly flurry of cards, chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day has come and gone again.
But whilst we hope you and your beloved enjoyed the occasion, here at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce we believe in spreading the love all year round - in a strictly professional sense, of course.
The benefits of networking are well established. When businesses come together, they can share knowledge, build connections, discover new opportunities and raise their profile. However, this only happens if you approach networking in the right way. Networking is like much else in life: you get out what you put in. But how can you make the most of networking events?
We have built Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce on five pillars: growth, grants and funding, export, referrals and introductions, networking and connections, and voice. We believe in giving businesses the support they need, whether that’s through introductions or funding, to grow and expand.
If you own a business in Bedfordshire or are looking for customers in Beds, you should certainly consider joining the Chamber.
Why? Because there’s a whole raft of benefits, explained below, from company promotion, to online networking and face-to-face events, to support and training, to global services – and much more besides.
(And if you’re an existing member, make sure you read this to ensure you are using your membership to its full advantage and not missing out!)
As the COVID-19 global health crisis brings uncertainty and elevated levels of stress and anxiety for small business owners, now, more than ever, is the time to come together and support each other.
Networking events are a great way to raise awareness of your business, gain advice, and make valuable connections to help you grow your network.
It’s back and bigger!
As we hurtle towards a relatively quiet season and well-deserved summer break – have you thought about ramping up your networking activity to provide the growth and momentum you need to start Q3 and Q4 strong?
Building your B2B network takes commitment and persistence, but success comes from the quality of your network over the quantity of contacts.
Seldom will you find an experienced networker who hasn’t once experienced the discomfort, fear and uncertainty you’re likely feeling (why else did you click on this post?) right now.
The business landscape is notoriously disruptive, volatile and unpredictable. And for businesses to withstand this level of uncertainty, it’s not enough to simply have the best product, the best price, or even the best service.
We’ve previously written about how to approach networking to get the most out of it. And it’s worth getting it right as it can help you grow your business.
It’s in our nature as humans to connect and interact with others. But for too many - especially introverts - it can be daunting and intimidating. Others simply don't have the time or knowledge.
A £50,000 Velocity grant has prompted a £1million investment in pioneering new technologies, propelling a Bedford electronics firm to the forefront of its industry.
Commenting on the labour market statistics, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Provider Network are keen to hear views from employers across Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire about 16-24 Youth Unemployment and how you feel about Apprenticeships.
The University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub has teamed up with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to launch an innovative leadership and management training programme aimed at business professionals looking to develop their skills set.
Commenting on the government’s decisions today on National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2013, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
UltraVision CLPL is taking the manufacture of contact lenses to the next level and in support of this has employed Clinical Director, Lynn White MSc FCOptom and Engineering Manager, Nick Stonehouse. With a strong clinical and manufacturing team, UltraVision is poised for growth and ready to ensure the future development of the next generation of contact lens technology.
What does singer Adele have in common with Flitwick based fuel card business i-fuelcards Ltd? The answer is they’ve both trademarked their names. Nigel Webb, Business Development Manager at i-fuelcards Ltd, knew that in a competitive market it was essential to protect a brand that was establishing a great reputation.
From October 2013 all newly built commercial property completed between 1st October 2013 and 30th September 2016 will be exempt from empty property rates for the first 18 months (up to the state aids limit).
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![The Bedford College Group logo [WHITE]](https://www.chamber-business.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Bedford%20College%20Group%20logo%20%5BWHITE%5D.png?width=135&height=145&name=The%20Bedford%20College%20Group%20logo%20%5BWHITE%5D.png)
