A professional network founded in Warwick has celebrated its first anniversary with a touchdown of more than a million pounds worth of business.
Warwick 49ers, part of the BNI global business network, has generated in excess of £1 million for the local economy through business referrals among its 23 members since being formed last May.
The million milestone equates to each member benefiting from an average of over £44,000 from business referrals during the year.
It caps a successful first year which also recently resulted in the Warwick 49ers being voted the most innovative BNI group in Warwickshire.
Zoe Keay, director of Warwick 49ers, said: “We have had a fantastic first year and always felt we could hit the £1 million mark because of the quality of our businesses and the professional camaraderie and support among the group.
“Our name reflects our ambition to grow to 40 members and the fact that we meet at 9am which makes us unlike any other BNI group in the UK, and is one of the reasons why we were recently voted the most innovative in Warwickshire.
“While other groups meet between 7am and 8.30am, we get together between 9am and 10.30am to better suit work and life commitments, such as taking children to school.
“What sets us apart from other business networks is that we only allow one representative from each trade or profession to join which means that our members support rather than conflict with each other.”
The first year was celebrated at Leamington’s Binswood Hall, the newly-opened Audley retirement village, where the Warwick 49ers meet every Tuesday.
Ross Mounsey, general manager of Audley Binswood, said: “Being part of the Warwick 49ers has been perfect for establishing our new business in Leamington, not only for contacts and referrals but also for showcasing us as a venue with facilities that are open to the public.”
Craig Callingham, owner of Warwick-based architects Callingham Associates, said: “As a founder member it is great to have been part of the growth of Warwick 49ers which has resulted in such a significant amount of business being generated within the local economy.
“We are building solid professional relationships which leads to increasing success within our practice. A good proportion of our work originates from contacts I have made here over the last year.”
James Brash, managing partner of Isola Garden Design in Leamington, added: “I was invited to join by another member about seven months ago and the quality and calibre of the people within the group is fantastic which has allowed me to make really good connections.”