HBN's Open Invitation to other Networks for the greater benefit of Business

Friday 12th. June found The Commemoration Hall Huntingdon full to capacity ,buzzing with positive local businesses all belonging to different network organisations. This was a fluid and informal event with all participants standing and milling around each stand as Graham Buck, the HBN Chairman, went around with the microphone giving the visiting groups their chance to make a pitch.

Chris Thomas and others also took photos for general availability on HBN's Picasa web albums at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/HBNPhotoManager/June09HBNNetworkOfNetworks#

How did this phenomenon come about? Simple, the HBN committee got together & with a great team effort (and Lesley Sharp's and Graham Bucks dynamism) invited as many other local network groups & organisations as they could to get together over a free buffet lunch to  show case their organisations All generously sponsored by Business Link.

Nearly 20 different groups came along to give a 3 minute presentation from their organisation in a relaxed & informal agenda which started with the buffet at 12.30 & finished with a prize draw for the HBN Chairmans charity Help For Heroes. £65.00 was raised & thanks to all who generously donated prizes.

Prizes were donated by;

• Clare Stevens HSBC
• Lesley Sharp Fair Frames of Brampton
• Sarah Jane's Floral displays
• Bob Garbett from O4RB & RMIS
• Charlie Smith from FSB
• Marie De La Torre
• Muriel Dahan Joi De Vie
• Natasha Morgan ,Morgan Languages
• Martin Straus , Wines Trainers
• Brian Williamson Utility Warehouse & BJWills
• Neil Smith Cambridge Graphics
• Christine Stocker Gibson
• Accent Consultants
  

Responses to our challenge:

Attendees were set a challenge by HBN to think of the answer to the most frequently asked Question ;"What can your company do for me?"or "What do you do ?"

• Nick Edgley from Ensors Chartered accountants www.ensors.co.uk  wrote"Making you more than just a number"
• Katy Sismore  Huntingdon Town Partnership www.huntingdontownpartnership.co.uk: "Making Huntingdon a better place to live work shop & visit."
• Bob Hulstrom from positive Solutions  www.hulstromassociates-info.co.uk:"Looking after your money so you dont have to. "
• Julie Buck from Mater:"For about £1.00 a day you may gain LOADS of energy & feel fantastic ! And if you dont I'll give you 100% refund .....so you have nothing to lose but masses to gain!
• Mac from mac@macssolutions.co.uk : "Get fit , be confident in life .learn Karate self defense with Gakushuin karate international. "www.gakushuin.org
• Mark at www.mylane.co.uk:"Making mortgages simple or helping people acieving their dreams"
• Emily Heale from WIBN : Q."What is it like attending a WIBN meeting ?" A."Its fantastic , a real buzz. The members are very supportive & make all visitors feel very welcome .Its fun but also productive . Good food good company good business. "www.wibn.co.uk  
• Lesley Sharp from Fairflow : "Melaleuca The Wellness Company helps people with their goals ,health ,happiness & wealth" lesley@fairflowframes.co.uk
• Toni Hunter from Geeorge Hays Accountants:"Q.My wife wants a Mercedes , should my business buy it ?"A."It depends , lots to conider!" www.georgehay.co.uk
• Lesley Sharp from Fair Frames: "I help you get your pictures up on your walls!" lesley@fairflowframes.co.uk
• Gilly Bolton from Herbal Life wrote: "What I  do. I can help you lose weight, improve your health & increase your energy levels"   gilly@great-life.biz
• Muriel Dahan from Joi De Vie: "Q. Can you help hay fever sufferers ? A. Yes the Aloa Vera drink & Bee Pollen are fantastic natural products to alleviate hay fever. all under a 60 day money back guarantee" www.joidevie.co.uk

Event broadcast on Twitter!

Mervyn Foster and others uploaded Tweets and Twitpics to the new microblogging phenomenon Twitter. - Go to Tweetchat.com and check our the #hbn collection of entries!

Conclusion

This event was highly successful because it brought together a number of different business networks, that are able to co-exist and whos memberships overlap because of their differing offers, structures and interests for their members.