Rochdale BNI celebrates a successful year of business collaboration

The Mayor of Rochdale visited the Crown Oil Arena on Thursday 6 July to commemorate the first birthday of networking group BNI Rochdale.

BNI Rochdale was launched in summer 2022 with just five ‘core members’. Its purpose was to bring together businesses from in and around the town, pass opportunities and grow the revenues of those involved. 

Since its launch, members of BNI Rochdale have invoiced approximately £737,000 of business referred within the group.

In addition, more than 30 business owners have joined as members and 160 people have attended the meeting as a visitor.

Visitors are able to take advantage of exclusive networking, refreshments and a hot breakfast without the commitment of a year’s membership, for a limited number of meetings.

Current president at BNI Rochdale, and founder of local CCTV business VoiSis, Chris Sharpe said: “In the last year we’ve seen the group go from strength to strength. The numbers speak for themselves when we track the amount of referrals and invoiced business passed in the last year.

“And we’re always looking to grow further. We welcome local business owners of all backgrounds, provided their specific profession doesn’t clash with an existing member.”

 

 

BNI Rochdale allows one ‘seat’ per profession. Those already covered by the 30-strong membership include: dentist, videographer, advertising, SEO & PPC, web design, food catering, copywriting, security systems, commercial energy broker, electrical wholesale and contractors, financial advisor, beautician, accounting, insurance broker, IT & hosting, office supplies, in-home care, law, printing, property maintenance, fire security, home furnishings, health and safety, charity, waste disposal and cleaning services.

Chris also commented on the atmosphere of the group, which meets at 6.45am every Thursday morning: “Aside from the figures, we receive comments from visitors every week on the friendly and laid back atmosphere.

“It’s testament to the business owners that make the group a great place to be - especially so early on a Thursday. We like to think we put our own twist on a typical BNI group, with a big focus on building a membership that’s fun to be part of, as well as making money. ”

 

 

Chris said: “It was an absolute privilege to host the mayor at our first birthday meeting and share the ceremonial cake cutting with him. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr Mayor and hearing about his passion for local businesses in Rochdale.

“I’d like to thank him again, on behalf of all members, for taking the time to celebrate with us.”

BNI is an international networking organisation with which the Rochdale group is affiliated. BNI focuses on providing return on investment for those who join as members, alongside training and mentorship opportunities.