BWN Insiders Case Study: How Supportive Business Networking Helps UK Business Owners Grow

Every month for 17 years we have business men and women tell us how being with BWN INsiders is “So much more than just networking.”

Over the years we have helped with everything you can imagine and not just work. Mandie Holgate our Founder explains “If it’s in your head it can impact on your performance, time management and success, so we are here for it all!” and here we share the most wonderful case study of how that really works for business owners so that they excel and make a sustainable profitable organisation.

Chris Bedwell is a Suffolk based business man and owner of Yellow Gecko (Click here to learn more a photographer and digital agencies helping small businesses across the UK. Last year Chris needed someone to turn to help them with their business and mindset, they turned to BWN INsiders…

Why did you join BWN INsiders?
I was really struggling personally and professionally. Mandie reached out to me with open arms and put a big business hug around me. She cares about me and the business, and that is what I needed.
What does BWN INsiders do for you?
Support. I have had a few rough dealings especially recently and with the support from the INsiders, I have been able to manage my way through them.
What does INsiders do for your business?
Being able to talk to business leaders from organisations of a range of sizes has been an eye opener. I have always enjoyed networking, but being part of INsiders takes that to another level.
What does BWN INsiders do for your team/customers?
It allows me to think about my business offering and position my services at a price point that will help me with gaining customers without underselling myself.
What was you not expecting but got?
I was not expecting the conversations to be so focussed. In networking meetings generally, the only time people get to find out about you and what you do, is if they have a one to one with you, or you take the time to talk to them during the 60 seconds (typically). With BWN INsiders, you say your piece, then the questions come which allows you to really dig in deep into your business progress and/or problems. INsiders care and we love to help support and find solutions. Every meeting is completely confidential so you can say whatever you like to help move you on to the next step in business.
What would you say to someone not sure about investing £25 a month into BWN INsiders?
It’s worth it. You could pay so much more to other networking groups and not have the value that INsiders brings. Mandie Holgate cares about every business in the room, and the INsiders care about each other too. £25 a month is less than £1 a day. It is worth way more than that. How many times have you been to a networking meeting and come away from it thinking you haven’t achieved anything? Yep, I felt that way too. Now I go to INsiders, I have always come away from meetings feeling they are productive, supportive and it is worth spending the money to be part of the group.