FOR 12 years, The Business Club Northants has been bringing people together to help them get the most from being a part of a vibrant local business community.
The networking group, along with its sister club, Business Club Bucks, brings scores of businesspeople together every month, encouraging the exchange of ideas, advice and support, and the formation of strategic business alliances.
The Business Club Northants was set up in 2007 by Mike Willis, who now works closely with newly appointed Director Yvonne Taylor to keep the wheels of both clubs running smoothly.
The Business Club Northants meets twice a month, in the evening and at venues across the county and usually featuring a guest speaker, or follows a format that encourages interaction, brainstorming and problem solving. Members are also entitled to four free visits (worth £60) to The Business Club Bucks, and vice versa. In addition, members have access to the new ‘Ask The Expert’ sessions, held before regular meetings, where those who are experts in specific areas of business, such as sales, marketing, social media or legal experts, offer free advice and help.
Social events are also a regular feature of The Business Club Northants – the annual golf day has been running successfully for some years now, while the anniversary dinner has become a regular feature of the calendar, as has the summer barbecue and the 10-pin bowling match between both clubs.
The club also chooses a charity each year and thousands of pounds have been donated to local good causes over the years.
Mike Willis said: “We held our first meeting in 2007 not knowing what the response would be, but the past 12 years have shown that there was a need for a relaxed and friendly evening networking group that gives people a chance to relax after work but combine that with expanding their network.
“The basic format has stayed the same, but over the years we have listened to members and adapted things to meet their needs and keep things fresh. We’ve recently streamlined from three meetings a month to two whilst reducing the membership fees which has led to higher attendances all round.
“With the additional success of The Business Club Bucks, which meets in Milton Keynes once a month, we’ve welcomed Yvonne Taylor as Director of both clubs. This will bring the two groups closer together and will definitely see growth in terms of networking, training and member benefits.
“It’s important that members get the most from their membership, but it’s also important to give people the chance to meet people in relaxed surroundings and without having to rush off to work afterwards. People do business with people, and over the past 12 years we’ve seen many, many deals done and strategic alliances formed, and we’ve seen many friendships develop, too, which is great to see!
Find out more by calling Mike on 01604 529173, emailing or visiting www.thebusinessclubnorthants.co.uk www.thebusinessclubbucks.co.uk