Chairman’s blog Thursday 6th March 2025

It was light at 6,10 am when we started assembling with a clear sky, clear headed members, and the clear intention by us all to do some good networking.

The Performance League

Scott Griffiths of all people had a computer meltdown and therefore was only able to give the basic but important information that I was the winner of this month’s performance league with the margins to be confirmed. I was also duly awarded the appropriate certificate I’m currently contemplating its location in my office.

Education Presentation

Paul Dulieu was this weeks presenter and his subject matter was the importance of time to us in running our businesses. It is precious, we have to juggle it, and invariably there is not enough of it. He emphasised the importance of being efficient with our use of time. If you don’t control your time someone else will. He went on to urge that we identify high value work and delegate low value work.

The 60 Second Round

Scott Griffiths was this week’s adjudicator. He confined himself therefore to a simple message. An easy referral for him is someone with an unprofessional e-mail address. Send them along to him, it won’t cost much but it is a good intro.

James Humphrys confirmed that his organisation is now officially launched as Brown and Brown. Nothing else has really changed so far as our dealings with him are concerned. Paul Corrigan is also due to celebrate trading for 10 years as a corporate entity.

Nick Cooke, rather than wearing 2 hats apparently sits under 2 umbrellas. It all relates to the inspections that he does and  the designs that he produces.

The reason we should direct referrals for mortgages to speak initially to Clara Downton is that the marketplace remains volatile so far as rates are concerned. It is a kind of ‘testing the water’ and getting the process underway as soon as possible. Whilst we are on the subject of testing, Dave Roberts was also keen to emphasise the importance of getting referrals for him to test circuits and appliances. It is a useful introduction that does result in spinoffs.

Prize for the most effective 60 seconds must go to Catherine Foley. She is looking for names of heads of sixth form of any of the schools within her locality. There were immediate responses from two or three members and the prospect of more to follow. As she was looking for names rather than specific introductions those of you who thought you were giving referrals might be disappointed, don’t be disappointed if Scott adjudicates against you but why not give it a try……!

On the subject of saving money, Howard Bullock declared himself not to be an accountant but someone who did know where to place investments from a tax planning point of view and Terry Maylin reminded everyone that to consult him at an early stage when chasing a commercial debt will finish up saving you money. There are penalty charges for each invoice rendered but unpaid as well as interest to be added…. Good rates !

Although he didn’t look the worst for it, Paul Booth has just being engaged by tic tocers and influencers. Do not think however that he is being dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age. He is positively embracing it!

As to the Oscar, Matt Barry was this week’s winner He emphasised that  branding is 1/8 of the iceberg that shows above the surface. He could have used a different metaphor involving a swan, how it glides along and how it pedals furiously beneath the water. Perhaps Toby Acton’s absence did not transfer any inspiration to extend the metaphor further. Why bother, it was good enough to win him the Oscar. Well done Matt!

This weeks statistics and points of note

Scott Griffiths was able to confirm what turned out to be 21 referrals today and about £9000 worth of business recorded. He then handed over to Paul Dulieu who explained more about the pilot podcast this has been shared with members this week and how he is the contact for more of us getting involved in the production of podcasts that can both promote EBF and also individual members.

10-minute presentation by Jon Foster

Jon Foster was this week’s presenter. It was a prop laden presentation that revealed all the tricks of the trade. As all the various devices went round the table it was clear that you would not want to try them yourself and the Jon is the person we should be contacting when we have any problems whatsoever with our locks. As a presentation it was a very effective use of tools of the trade and was very very well presented.

For the first time this year the sun streamed through the windows and we all departed with spring in last steps