“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit*”
Business Network (SW) Ltd hosts monthly lunch time networking events in Bristol and Exeter
♦ Do you want to generate opportunities that will enhance your business?
♦ Do you want to build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers?
♦ Do you want your networking to relaxed and comfortable?
♦ How about business seminars that can positively impact your business?
♦ Would a huge variety of contacts be useful to your business?
♦ Do you want the opportunity to promote your business and expertise?
♦ Do you want a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business?
♦ What about generating an ROI on your networking?
To experience what Business Network SW can offer you and your business come along to one of the upcoming events and see for yourself what so many people are benefiting from.
“Sean runs a superb network. He is very friendly ansd warm always a big smileon his face. He especialy looks after guests and new members and ensures they benefit from the experience. I am very grateful to Sean for all the contacts I have made and the business tips from seminars etc. Also to Sean for his charitable support.” Chris Roys – The Jessie May Trust
“If you want to learn about good networking, you would benefit from hanging out with Sean!
I joined his network because he manages it so well, with attention in the details, his organisation is so consistent and timing great. I feel like he doesn’t just provide a network meeting, but trains people in how to network well.
Not only that, I feel confidence in the quality of people he attracts to his network, as witnessed by great seminars. Thank you.” Cathy Towers – Exeter Mind and Body Clinic
“I highly recommend the monthly network lunches that Sean arranges in the South-West. I go to the Exeter and Taunton networking lunches and find them superbly organised, always meeting new people every month as well as further developing existing relationships. Plus there are the seminars in the morning, a great way to learn about different areas of business plus you can host your own. Several of my clients have come out of networking at these lunches and in hosting seminars. Sean himself is really friendly and easy to approach, and very helpful in helping you to promote your own business.” Chris Wood- Q Social Media
“Sean has been a supportive ‘partner’ with his vibrant and enthusiastic Business Network. We have been members of Business Network South West for 11 years in total. I have found this to be one of the very best network opportunities, not only because it’s membership is for senior decsion makers, but also because of the way Sean runs things.” Nigel Peeck- N3 Display Graphics
“Seans networking lunches are the Best!! I have been a member of Business Network SW for 4 years now and my Colleague Ann many years before me, I have met and done business with some fantastic people to which some have become dear friends as well. Seans enthusiasm and funny quotes make for a relaxed atmosphere to which we can all feel comfortable whilst promoting our businesses. Thanks Sean love being a member!!” Mandy Blackler- Casino Select
“I have been attending the Business Network SW since it started a number of years ago, and can confidently say Sean always keeps his finger on the pulse – the Business Network SW is one of the best networking groups on the circuit, the venues are amazing and the lunches superb. There is always a warm welcome when you arrive at events and my number of clients and friends just keeps growing and growing. The seminars and 10-minute presentations are always informative and interesting – Well done Sean!” Danny Frayne – Quick Print SW
With events being held regularly in Bristol,and Exeter join us and see how you can and your business can benefit.
Forthcoming events - all giving you the chance to participate in events that will give you numerous opportunities.
For more details visit our website - 2013 Dates
Find us on Facebook and Twitter @seanhumby #BNSW
For your personal invitation then feel free to visit
*John Wesley
I had the pleasure of attending the ICAEW South West region dinner on 16th May at The Grand Hotel in Bristol following my invitation from Sam Talby of FRP Advisory.
The event attracted over 300 people from organisations including Alexander Daniels, Avon Rubber plc, BADCASS, Bishop Fleming, BPP, Bristol/Bath/Swindon Business News, Business Insider, Corrigan Associates, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, First Intuition, Geoff Gollop & Co, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Hazlewoods, ICAEW Visiting Presidents, Kaplan Financial, KPMG, Lloyds Bank, Mazars, Michael Page, Milsted Langdon LLP, Old Mill Accountants, PwC, robert Half International, RSM Tenon, Smith & Williamson, The Bristol Port Company, The Prince’s Trust, Thrings LLP, UH Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Veale Wasbrough Vizards and Verco Global.
The event was hosted by Peaches Golding OBE – one of the South West region’s leading ethical business experts and included Mark Spofforth ICAEW President speaking, the presentation of awards and a lovely 3 course dinner.
The FRP Advisory table had a mixture of businesses – Holly French from Credit Insure, Tony Foster and Nastasha Bliss from Metcalfes Solicitors, Nicola Brastock from Thrings LLP, Peter Bailey from Bailey Associates along with Sam Talby, Gareth Morris and Susan Evans from FRP Advisory’s Bristol office.
The conversation included sailing on tall ships, skiing in France, the Scott Gibbs try against England, networking, the sale of assets along with dairy products, vegetarianism. What was great was the way in which relationships were being developed – some new and many being strengthened as the conversation flowed.
The Guest speaker was Nick Hewer who spoke entertainingly about how he had met Lord Sugar, the various business ventures that he worked with Lord Sugar on including the highs and lows – how, with the bad news that the hard drives from an early Amstrad PC were faulty( after only 7,000 units had been sold) causing the bottom to fall out of the business quickly followed by the opportunity of manufacturing dishes for Rupert Murdoch’s Sky business. The talk included the way in which the Apprentice came to our screens – the candidates, the filming schedule, the board room and what is happening to the Apprentice in the future…….. All in all a fantastic insight that was funny, serious and enlightening throughout. If you get the opportunity to listen to Nick Hewer speak take it!
Photo’s below taken by Blackberry, by an amateur – me!
Timings
Seminar before lunch - coffee and networking from 10am – seminar starts at 10.30am followed by
THE Networking Lunch
Networking over drinks from 11.45am – 12.30pm followed by a sit down served 2 course lunch (dietary requirements catered for), individual table presentations, a table host to conduct proceedings, conversations leading to connections and collaborations. Delegate details provided to enable you to connect with others in the room during the table to table networking. A guest speaker and the event ends at 2pm
“Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” Napoleon Bonaparte
Where do you get your invitation?
call 01981 540708
email sean@business-network.co.uk - with “yes book me in” or “yes send me invite” or
complete enquiry form here
Why should you attend?
At each event you will have the opportunity to meet numerous other senior decision makers from locally based businesses in a relaxed and focused environment. It is a proven way and sustainable way of continuing to develop opportunities.
- You will generate opportunities that will enhance your business
- You will build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers
- The networking is relaxed and comfortable
- You will the opportunity to promote your business and expertise
- You will build a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business
- You will generate an ROI on your networking
*Guest from business other than yours, membership restrictions do apply. Once guest has joined and paid for their membership bottle of bubbly presented to you at subsequent Bristol Business Network event. Unlimited bubbly!
More from the 20th Anniversary event – missed a great seminar and some photo’s courtesy of Malcolm Rouse Photography

Exeter Business Network 20th Anniversary event – thank you for your enthusiasm, conversations and commitment!
The seminar before lunch was hosted by Stephen Bateman – informative, enlightening and full of great information to enable you to develop your content marketing into a powerful business tool – generating interest, winning loyal customers and increasing your profitability. If you think you know about content marketing then look through Stephen’s presentation because I can guarantee you will learn something that will add value to your business.
Stephen’s presentation is now on SlideShare
Selection of testimonials from people who attended the seminar…..
“Stephen provided us with a fascinating view on the tactics and tricks employed when considering an effective content marketing strategy. In just a short seminar, it was clear that Stephen’s knowledge and communication skills make him an expert in his field. I can easily recommend his services, and feel confident that he can deliver a great result.” Alex Wren, Video Marketing Specialist, Bitpod
“Stephen clearly knows his subject inside out. It’s easy to see how so many businesses get lost within the huge industry that is content marketing. Stephen provides tried, tested, trusted processes which ensure that you stand out from the crowd.” SARAH HUGHES, The LinkedIn Lead Generation Expert
“Stephen is clearly an expert in the field of content marketing and furthermore he is able to communicate his expertise clearly, concisely and in a style and with language that is easily understood by those of us (such a myself) who are not as well versed in the subject. I had the pleasure of hearing Stephen present recently and he was able to both communicate technical content and also keep us entertained and focused on the key messages throughout his presentation.” Hugh Graham, Director, The Bid Coach Ltd
“Stephen is an expert in the field of content marketing. He has a thorough grasp of the tools and techniques and the vision to provide usable advice on what you need to be doing. If you want to get beyond the jargon and get some ideas you can actually implement I recommend going to one of Stephen’s seminars.” Richard Hussey, Consultant and Copywriter, RSH Copywriting
For those who missed – Webinar 14 June
What about the Next Exeter Business Network event – detail here?
More from the gallery

Businesses in the photo – Andrew Price & Co Limited,
Ashfords LLP,
Auditel,
Bitpod Ltd,
Bovey Castle,
Bramblebuzz,
BreathingNLP,
Business Doctors,
Business Network (SW) Ltd,
Business Network Founders,
Casino Select,
Cobalt Communications,
Compass Resolution,
Concentric Dots – (Part of iGlimpse Limited),
Concept Card,
Creme de la Creme Fun Casino,
Crooked Stick Ltd,
Daneswood Solutions Ltd,
Dartington,
David R Cotterill,
Devon Air Ambulance Trust,
e-strategy,
Endorse HR,
Enterprise Assist Limited,
Everys Solicitors,
Evolution,
Evolution ABS Limited,
Exeter Golf & Country Club,
Exeter Mind & Body Clinic,
Exeter Racecourse & Conference Centre,
Families for Children Trust,
Florian Zumfelde Design Studio,
FRP Advisory,
Gilbert Stephens Solicitors,
Glen King PR/Marketing Ltd,
Global Radio,
Gravitas Recruitment (SW) Ltd,
Hartnell Chanot & Partners,
Heatherbell Art,
If… Media Ltd,
Ingenious PA,
Juiceplus,
Kirkham Board,
Linked4Success,
Listen to Win,
Malcolm Rouse Photography,
Mango Personnel Ltd,
Mark Leveridge Magic,
Marla Custom Blinds,
Martin Luck Group,
Old Mill Accountancy LLP,
Optix Solutions Ltd,
Plug and Play,
Printing.com,
Q Social Media Ltd,
Quickprint Ltd,
Realistic Home Improvements Ltd,
Road User Support Service,
Round Ash Associates,
RSH Copywriting,
Rundle Walker,
Sandy Park Conference & Banqueting Centre,
SEO736,
Shopping Sherlock,
Simpkins Edwards,
Somerset County Cricket Club Ltd,
Something To Say,
Space,
St James’s Place Wealth Management,
St Loye’s Foundation,
Stephens Scown,
Straight Marketing Limited,
Tender Victory,
The Bid Coach,
thebestof Exeter,
WESC Foundation,
Winning Tenders Ltd,
WNW Design,
WPA Healthcare

Jackie & Jim Enright (Business Network Founders) celebrating 20 years with Sean & Jane Humby Business Network SW hosts
Why technology will always lose out to real-life face-to-face communication.
It can be easy to become reliant on a phone, an e-mail, the internet and the fact that you can easily check someone’s linked in profile within minutes nowadays. We are constantly connected through the ever-expanding medium of technology; something that we mustn’t ever lose touch with however is how valuable face to face communication is. This info-graphic shows the importance of face-to face meetings and why these are so important; addressing points such as communication, human contact, reactions and humour.
Although it may seem like I have vendetta against technology, this is not the case at all. As with any positive though, there are always going to be negatives! Although writing is a powerful tool, we cannot convey emotion as easily through a text, e-mail or even letter.
By lacking in tonality we then fall into the dangerous realm of misunderstandings. This can happen with friends or/and family when something isn’t perceived as it was originally intended leading to miscommunication and into an entirely different conversation straying away from the original point. Although this is bad enough; your friends and family will more than likely be forgiving in time.
However, in a business situation, this is nothing less than a catastrophe. Communication can be a key part of a relationship development and although you’re not always going to be able to meet face-to-face; if you don’t ever meet then you need to analyse your business plan.
The increasing use of technology as a communication tool can be beneficial to you, connecting to people that you wouldn’t have usually been able to bond with without the online world. This is beneficial as we now have access to contacts that we may not have had before the internet but the only way to get it truly with industry insiders and people who could prove to be an integral part of your business is to attend networking events!
I’m a great believer in everything in moderation, and when you can hold a full conversation without having to check your phone; whether business or not then you have to analyse whether or not you are developing an addiction to the technology you hold so dear. You are not doing yourself any favours as the more engrossed you become in the online world; the more your social skills are going to suffer. Social skills are one, if not your most important commodities.
These are what you need when it comes to crunch time whether that is signing a contract, introducing international clients or even meeting with prospective clients. Your social ability needs to be on top form in these situations as you may already be anxious, whether a seasoned communication expert or not! By becoming so involved with technology you may be at risk of repressing your sociability! It can become too easy to get involved in the online world.
You can’t develop a relationship online as well as you can face to face. I’ve seen it thousands of times, even on Dragons Den, where money is invested into a person with great social skills, likeability and the ability to network. I’m sure many people can fear networking events, but this should not be the case. These are an exceptional opportunity to meet potential business partners and people who will either invest in you or at least show an active interest within you, and therefore your business.
Networking is your chance to make a positive impression. By taking time to speak to as many people as possible you can connect and leave them with a lasting impression; this is the time for your personality to shine through. There’s nothing wrong with handing over a business card to any prospective new contact, in fact this should be actively encouraged. These can prove to be subtle reminders that will help you arrange to meet again. Not only does a card show that you wish to do business together in the future but it also means that you are not becoming reliant on technology but rather using it to compliment your people skills and business persona.
Overall; it’s important to remember that we are living in the technology-age and if you value your business then you must be aware of how technology can provide an integral part to the development of your company. Use it as a communication device to compliment your physical being. The role of presence should never be undervalued, and it means you are always guaranteed a response.
Article courtesy of
Matt Jones
Content & Online PR Executive

- 5th June 2013 – Planning your video including concept, marketing and pre-production
- 12th June 2013 – Camera skills, lighting and sound
- 19th June 2013 – Practical video session
- 26th June 2013 – Editing, uploading, integrating and sharing your video
- 3rd July 2013 – Promoting and measuring your video’s performance
More articles, posts and links that I trust that you will useful to any networking that you may do or be looking to do
Feel free to add.comment and share!
Have a great day, best regards
Conferences are like what Charles Darwin would invent for a high school project on survival of the ambitious, and his group members would be Becky Sharp, Attila the Hun, and a honey badger.
While Todd is talking about the marathon craziness of conferences, that same Attila-like ambience can be detected in any networking event–those happenings where buckets of striving people are plopped into a room and told to meet each other. While we do know that being a superconnector–someone at the center of many a network–avails you to exciting new ideas (and diseases!) and that email introductions are a skill to be mastered, the whole introducing yourself in real life thing can still get a little clumsy.
Todd offers some pointers on becoming more graceful:
FULL ARTICLE HERE
Best practice tips for conference networking - article first appeared in
Wed, 10 April 2013
Make the most of the valuable networking opportunities presented at events….FULL ARTICLE HERE
10 tips to network with confidence
Special to The Globe and Mail- Canada
Published Wednesday, Apr. 10 2013, 6:56 PM EDT
There’s nothing innate about confidence. It’s something we develop – usually via endeavour. That’s a key message from my book on confidence, called What’s Stopping You Being More Confident? But confidence requires us to discriminate. Confidence in what, exactly? After all, confidence in all things is impossible. I’d wager Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney is under-confident when acting on stage, while actor Keanu Reeves would feel distinctly nervous conducting monetary policy.
Of course, their excellence in one field can help elsewhere – perhaps giving them a confident demeanour when entering unfamiliar territory. But there’s no guarantee. When pulled out of our comfort zone, we all tend to exhibit signs of poor confidence.
And there’s nowhere less comforting than a networking event – those crucial get-togethers in any sector that can determine the success of our careers.
As someone with a history of under-confidence I hate such events. Or at least did. Eventually, I researched the problem and came up with 10 tips for overcoming under-confidence at networking events. Here they are:
I enjoyed the following article as it was not only relevant to landing a dream job but it also relates to the all important aspect of Brand You – Tom Peter’s fabulous approach.
Land the Job of Your Dreams Using These Social Media Networking Tips
Posted on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 @ 10:00 AM on Creatine Marketing BlogPlease sit back and enjoy these nine tips that are sure to get your profiles the right kind of attention. (Feel free to take notes!)











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