A GROUP of local businesspeople are celebrating after triumphing over adversity.
Members of the Two Valleys Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) have had record achievements in the first six months of 2012, despite the difficult economic climate and the devastating floods which affected some of their premises.
Now they want to extend their networking group by inviting other businesses to join and share the benefits of their success.
Nathan Martin, of PC Solutions in Mytholmroyd, said the group has secured over £300,000 worth of business in the first six months of 2012 through personal referrals between the members.
Nathan, whose Burnley Road premises were flooded with three feet of water last month, said: “We were all shocked but delighted to discover just how much business we have achieved this year, given the economic difficulties, the extra Jubilee Bank Holiday and, for many people, the effect of the floods.
“In the first six months we exchanged over 700 referrals.”
The 20-strong Two Valleys Chapter of BNI, which covers the Calder and Ryburn valleys, includes trades and business people in Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, as well as Sowerby Bridge, Halifax and further afield. It holds weekly breakfast meetings at which members share ideas, contacts and referrals.
“The way it works is that every member is always looking to help each other by recommending colleagues to their existing customers or people with whom they come into contact,” Nathan said.
“In effect we are using the group as our sales team and all the referrals come through word of mouth recommendation.”
For more information, contact Nathan on 01422 886111.