Chairman’s blog Thursday 7th November 2024

22 of us turned up today. Effort of the week being Tina Walker who had set out at 4.15 am on her journey from Weston super Mare and only  missed the beginning of the meeting by quarter of an hour. She even managed her 60 second presentation.

The Performance League

14 members scored 100 points or more, 5 members topped 200 points and with a record points score of 630 Scott Griffiths led Leanne Reason and Paul Corrigan on 374 points and 318 points respectively. Great effort by all involved.

Education Presentation

It was Ben Golding again, who made his subject matter this week the importance of cultivating a ‘can do’ attitude among self-employed and small business owners. Do’s and don’ts include mixing with positive rather negative people if you can, Use your spare time to listen to or do things that are stimulating. Prioritise what you need/want to do. Epithet of the week, ‘you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time…’

Membership Matters

Terry Maylin had a couple of announcements that were worth celebration.

New member induction Jon Foster is now our resident locksmith

Award of excellence Blake Hammond successfully applied and was awarded this much sort after accolade.

Congratulations to both!!

It is perhaps worth mentioning at this juncture that we now appear to have a new sub category. The well established ‘Naughty Corner’ can now be joined by the ‘Mad Hatters’. Blake Hammond has now been joined by the Mayor of Gants Hill Village and new member Jon Foster. The Mayor and Jon at least have the excuse of being follicly challenged. Not a lot of people know this but Blake has a full head of hair!

The 60 Second Round

Oscar adjudicator Ben Golding kicked us off, suggesting that we did not risk blowing our house up because we couldn’t afford to heat it but rather that we switch to Utility Warehouse and save money. Melissa Jackson was also into helping you save your house if you fear bankruptcy. IVAs are worth considering and she’s the person to go to.

Matt Barry was advertising his ability to guide businesses through the marketing minefield that might prevent you getting the name of your business in front of the public. Mike Skinner can be part of that process in providing video footage for Matt to work with.

James Humphries declared clearly, that business will make him go to Burnley. He might run into Andy O’Neill there, as currently he is spending most of his time in the northwest and the southwest. Let’s see if we can get him some work closer to home.

Catherine Foley wants to help those suffering from sixth form angst and Jon Foster is looking to develop his social media presence to specifically help him unlock landlords as potential clients. Hopefully Terry Maylin might well be able to assist, he is looking for landlords of residential property. Those who have approached solicitors who say that everything is currently up in the air and they cannot help are missing out on his expertise. He knows precisely what remedies are available now and can help advise and explore what the future might hold with the new legislation that is currently only a twinkle in the eye of our government.

Vincent Goode, resplendent in cap, illustrated his request for people who might need brochures with glued or interlocking flaps for holding other advertising materials. Up to this moment nobody had mentioned the C word. Blake Hammond couldn’t resist offering winter garments such as hoodies, children’s clothes and more importantly toy guns, tanks and other items of warfare that will be good for our children’s mental health. Whilst we are on the subject of being festive, Jane Malyon has a festive tea event on 24^th November  and has one table left. If you enjoy scones lathered in cream and jam and other more unusual tea time concoctions you should get your booking in.

Having a conversation with Google can do wonders for your website and Scott Griffiths was offering to show you how to do this as part of your marketing strategy.

Toby Acton waxed poetic in celebration of bonfire night and Guy Fawkes to illustrate his mentoring and coaching skills. Delivered at a more relaxed pace he was an irresistible choice for this week’s Oscar.

Meeting Secretaries Report

Good business was reflected in the slips entered by members showing around £12,500  of business recorded and 16 referrals

Social Secretaries Report

At the outset of the meeting Paul Corrigan reported on the Halloween event. This mustered 12 attendees who travelled during the week beyond Sudbury to be shaken if not scared and thereafter a Curry. A good time was had by all.

10-minute presentation by John Hammond

Flashing lights heralded John’s presentation today. He was able to illustrate the technology that is now available in his industry but more importantly, the necessity of using it properly to make sure the package of security that you are getting from him works. A mixture of props and careful explanation produced a useful and entertaining 10 minutes.

Some you win and some you lose. Sadly Chris de la Prida is relocating to Spain. Whilst Tina has managed to stay in touch and attend meetings from Weston super mare Spain is perhaps a little too far-flung for him to continue with us. It has been a pleasure having him as a member and we wish him well in his new endeavour.