I am President of HBN. I started HBN 14 years ago, because so many people were working from home and didn’t have any contact with other people. Since then HBN has grown and become a great source of help and support to many small businesses.

I look forward to working with you all through the next year. Good Luck in 2008

Whichever your individual preference as to definition, the purpose of the committee and me as its Chairman is to do whatever it takes to make you, our members, feel cherished. 80 or so heads are more likely to produce good ideas than just the few on the committee, so please let me or any other committee member know of any ideas or suggestions for improving your HBN.

The HBN is a membership organisation and, as such, greater than any one member or small group of members, so please, one and all, keep the committee on its toes and me with it …and how, you ask, will the committee know what you think of their efforts? Very simply by the number of new members you introduce. Over to you.

Babs Moore has a strong background in the electronic component industry with over 20 years experience, predominantly in sales and marketing roles, culminating in senior management positions with Philips Semiconductors’ European and Worldwide distribution teams. She is an award winning account manager and has produced outstanding sales results through both UK and European Sales Team management. Her strengths include developing partnership relationships with customers.

With your help, my objective over the coming year is to enhance HBN communication to members and prospects, to create a broader awareness in the business community of HBN’s philosophy of openness and support for companies in a friendly, cooperative environment and work together with others on the committee so that we have the right 21st Century tools such as our website, newsletters and e-mailings to simply and effectively achieve the first two goals.

Well I thought I had escaped but my tunnel came up short of the fence! They say a change is as good as a rest and taking on Social events and Vice Chairman will be an interesting challenge. It will give me a chance to learn a new skill (Event Management) and will be available to assist the new members of the committee. I will be looking to revitalise the social events calendar, invite other business and social groups and give you the opportunity to get involved.

The role of 'Database Manager' is to support and maintain the website and to provide a repository that holds the current member details. My plan for the website is to re-define its purpose as a collaboration tool for all members. To achieve this I will work to simplify the website and encourage members to use to share information and find ways to work together.

I’m delighted to be re-elected as your newsletter editor and look forward to the coming year when we when we will make the most of the communication possibilities that the new website can offer. We’ve begun testing the technical aspects of the e-newsletter and will soon be offering this as a new way to get your message across. This will link into the HBN website so please try and make sure you’re on the website and your details are up to date.

I’m also looking forward to the joining in the new wave of collaboration that is growing in the network. This I feel is the way forward as small companies combine into virtual companies to tackle combined tasks.