BNI Academy Oxford

17/01/2025

Friday 17th January 2025
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On line meeting today. Started with open networking from 6.30am where people could continue networking before the meeting started. Chris Bevin, Honey Legal. Joined us, thank you, for attending.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Simon Fletcher - Inviting Visitors
Simon explained some good ways to invite visitors and how NOT to invite.

Visitors add a dynamic to the room and everyone is keen to meet new people and find out about them and their business.

Visitors are invited and at Academy they come FREE of charge to our face to face meetings and on line for the rest of the month. WHY NOT COME AND ENJOY A LOVELY BREAKFAST AND CHAT TO LIKE-MINDED BUSINESSES.

VISITORS DAY ON 7TH FEBRUARY.
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Network Leaders for November are:
TYFB - 1st, Becky Coyle, 2nd, Chris Badger and 3rd Rachel Yarwood

Most Referrals - 1st - Keith’s Hickson, 2nd, Rachel Yarwood & Joint 3rd is Kim Lanighan and Masimba Chilongo

121’s - 1st , Rachel Yarwood, 2nd Keith Hickson & 3rd, Ian Gifford
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Chris Badger, Colin Bateman, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

10/01/2025

Friday 10th January 2025 - First Meeting of the year
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
10th Jan - Becky Coyle - North Oxfordshire Developments
17th Jan - Keith Hickson - KH Infosec
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Today was our face to face meeting. Started with open networking from 6.30am with coffee and chat. We had Paul Raith, Helen Lawrence, and Sharon Betterton visit us today. Thank you, for attending.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Masimba Chilongo - CEU's
Masimba explained that as BNI members we have access to a host of podcasts and educational courses and resources to help its members gain more experience and help with their BNI journey. You can listen to a POD cast whilst driving or working which is an easy way of gaining useful information, hints and tips.
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Network Leaders for November are:
TYFB - 1st, Becky Coyle, 2nd, Chris Badger, 3rd, Rachel Yarwood.
Most Referrals - 1st, Keith Hickson, 2nd Rachel Yarwood and 3rd spot was Kim Lanighan and Masimba Chilongo
121’s - 1st Rachel Yarwood, 2nd Keith Hickson and 3rd place was Ian Gifford
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.
Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Chris Badger, Colin Bateman, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Colin Bateman - EL6
Colin started EL6 in 2018 and Lianne and Colin are now looking after a large number of websites, both big and small companies and all sorts of different business types.

They do new sites, updates for previous sites, redesigns, apps, databases and hosting web sites. All their websites are built using Wordpress.

If you are looking for a new website or a redesign ten do get in touch with Colin, he would love to have a chat with you about what you require.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, plumber and interior designer and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

20/12/2024

We'd all like to wish you a very Happy Christmas & Happy New Year from all at BNI Academy.

13/12/2024

Friday 13th December 202413
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
13th Dec - Masimba Chilongo - M C Architecture
20th Dec - FINAL MEETING 2024
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Today was our face to face meeting. Started with open networking from 6.30am with coffee and chat. We had Natalie Parocki, Gary Trinder and Sharon Betterton visit us today. Thank you, for attending.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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We had a lovely new member join us today. Colin Bateman from EL6 Websites had his induction, so welcome to the group. Hope you have a fantastic journey.
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We awarded Simon Fisher the member of the month accolade. Simon is a relatively new member to Academy, but not to BNI so is well versed in everything BNI. We look forward to seeing how your journey progresses.
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ED SLOT - Stef Calleja-Gera - Referrals Made Easy
Stef went through some very useful tips on how to get good referrals.
Do people like you? - some do, some don’t, just be yourself
Do they trust you? - to do a good job for their referrals
Do they understand what they do? - Educate fellow members
Do they know who they are looking for? - Be specific
Do they know how to introduce you? - Tell people how to introduce you
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Network Leaders for November are:
TYFB - 1st, Kin Lanighan, 2nd Jamie Golding & 3rd Ian Gifford

Most Referrals - Joint 1st - Chris Badger, Nancy Hunt & Simon Fisher

121’s - 1st Kim Lanighan, 2ns Place, Stef Calleja-Gera and Kieran O’Leary, 3rd Place Ian Gifford & Simon Fisher
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, Colin Bateman, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Masimba Chilongo - M C Architecture
It’s all in the details - MC Architecture was founded on the logical reasoning that attention to detail is at the heart of good architectural design.

Masimba is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and gained experience in the construction industry over the last 20 years. MC Architecture offers a range of benefits to homeowners and property developers.

Looking for architectural hep then do contact Masimba, you won’t be disappointed.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, plumber and interior designer and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

09/12/2024

Great Testimonial for Kim Lanighan, Optics accounting from Kieran O'Leary from Parkside Financial.

Always great to get these - well done both!

06/12/2024

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Coming Up Feature Presentations
13th Dec - Masimba Chilongo - M C Architecture
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Today was our face to face meeting. Started with open networking from 6.30am with coffee and chat. We had Joanna Galanis, Gary Trinder, Grant Fagan and Sharon Betterton visit us today. Thank you, for attending.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for coffee and open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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We had a lovely new member join us today. Colin Bateman from EL6 Websites had his induction, so welcome to the group. Hope you have a fantastic journey.
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We awarded Simon Fisher the member of the month accolade. Simon is a relatively new member to Academy, but not to BNI so is well versed in everything BNI. We look forward to seeing how your journey progresses.
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ED SLOT - Charlotte Elmer
Charlotte asked everyone to give a useful piece of information about their business. Everyone gave a good and extremely useful tip. Great insight into everyone’s business.
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Vinny Kumar - Cherry Picked Residential
Cherry Picked Residential specialise in residential sales within Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. With the vision of combining the finest marketing, customer experience and local knowledge gained over the last 40 years, they provide a transparent and tailored service, whilst staying true to our ethos of “never compromise on service".

If you are looking for a quality estate agent to sell or buy a property, then do contact Vinny Kumar for more information, you won’t be disappointed.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

29/11/2024

Friday 29th November - Academy Roundup
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
6th Dec - Vinny Kumar - face to face
13th Dec - Masimba Chilongo - M C Architecture
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We started with open networking and breakout rooms, where people could continue to network and build relationships. Gary Trinder and Sharon Betterton attended the meeting. Thank you, for coming along.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for coffee and open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Simon Fisher - BNI Guarantee
We are guaranteed to having weekly meetings, giving a weekly presentation and having the only seat.
* 60 seconds - is an important part of the meeting so use it wisely and educate the members and visitors
* Weekly meeting - be present each week and promote your company
* Only seat for your profession, so no clashes.
Think about your 60 seconds and prepare for each meeting making it interesting and informative, use a prop, or slide and be specific.
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Vinny Kumar - Cherry Picked Residential - they are property consultants who offer a one-on-one service, full marketing for your sale and purchase or your property. If you need pro-active estate agent then do get in touch.

Ian Gifford - Travel Counsellor - are able to help with personal and business travel both abroad and in the UK. If you are looking for exceptional service then do get in touch.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Tom Sowler - AdSmith
AdSmith is a leading company dealing with Google Ads, Google Shopping and Facebook Ads. They started back in 2016 and have built a reputation for excellence in achieving great sales for their customers.

They have meticulous attention to detail and creative ability to turn statistical data into an enticing ad campaign, and you have exactly the right approach and skillset to make money when your main marketing activity is digital marketing.

Need SEO help then do get in touch with Tom and the team at AdSmith.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

15/11/2024

Friday 15th November - Academy Roundup
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
22nd November - Nancy Hunt - online
29th November - Tom Sowler - online
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We started with open networking and breakout rooms, where people could continue to network and build relationships. Sujith Menon from a BNI in Dubai and Sharon Betterton attended the meeting. Thank you, for coming along.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for coffee and open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Keith Hickson - KH Infosec - Why it’s important to USE the BNI App.

Logging these stats are important for tracking the performance of the Chapter and a personal breakdown of your ROI. It monitors growth, helps find valued partners and tracks your success. It helps with relationship building, its motivational, areas to identify for improvements and helps to focus on your goals.

So get logging your referral and TYFB everyone…..
60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Masimba Chilongo - MC Architecture
Helps to draw up plans for extensions, building refurbs and conversions, looking at all the details. If you are looking for an architect then speak to Masimba, you won’t be disappointed.

Jamie Golding - Concept Building Solutions
Jamie helps you with your insurance claims by dealing with the claim from the start to finish, taking away all the hassle and stress. If you are dealing with an insurance claim and need help, then speak to Jamie.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Simon Fisher - The Better Letter
Simon has been in the industry for many years and has lots of experience letting properties. He is keen to speak to landlords who need help and assistance. Simon works mainly in the Oxfordshire area but can help with properties in other areas of the UK.

The Better Letter can help with non-payment of rent, Getting the property back, understanding the safety legislation and Licensing (HMO and Selective), plus all other aspects of letting a property.

If you are a landlord or are needing help with a rental property then do contact Simon for a professional and consistent service.
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Member of the month was awarded to Masimba Chilongo from MC Architecture who will have 2 minutes for the month of Nov to tell people about his business. Masimba if a valuable member of Academy and totally deserves this accolade, so well done and thank you for all you do to help your fellow members.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

08/11/2024

Friday 8th November - Academy Roundup
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
15th November - Simon Fisher - online
22nd November - Nancy Hunt - online
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We started with open networking and breakout rooms, where people could continue to network and build relationships. Colin Bateman and Sushma Long attended. Thank you, for coming along.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for coffee and open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Charlotte Elmer - ELMER COACHING
Building Authentic Relationships
Building effortless relationships start with listening and learning from others. Ask questions about them, and be curious. Before asking for anything can you give something back. Be consistent and build strong relationships, trust doesn’t happen over night. ..
60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Simon Fisher - The Better Letter
He looks after residential lettings, and covers the whole of Oxfordshire, but does work throughout the UK. He is looking to connect to landlords.

Chris Badger - Argentum Finance
Is helping people and business owners with asset finance, so if you are looking for a new truck or equipment and need finance, then speak to Chris.

Charlotte Elmer - ELMER
Charlotte is busy helping the future leaders of business. She helps with executive coaching, business growth and leadership development.
Interested? Charlotte would love to have a chat.

Damon Bishop - Super Clean Oxford is doing a skydive in 2025 for SSNAP - If anyone would like to give then do check out the link.
http://justgiving.com/page/damon-bishop-1730930753388

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Kim Lanighan - OPTICS ACCOUNTING
Kim did a very helpful interactive presentation / quiz around the budget and how the changes will affect the businesses she works with. Kim is in the process of contacting her clients to deal with any changes that affect them.

Optics are a pro-active accountancy firm based in Oxford and are able to help with accounting and bookkeeping, CIS regulations.

If you are looking for a new accountant then speak to Kim at Optics, you won’t be disappointed.
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Member of the month was awarded to Masimba Chilongo from MC Architecture who will have 2 minutes for the month of Nov to tell people about his business. Masimba if a valuable member of Academy and totally deserves this accolade, so well done and thank you for all you do to help your fellow members.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.

Help Damon Bishop raise money to support SSNAP

01/11/2024

Friday 1st November - Academy Roundup
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Coming Up Feature Presentations
8th November - Kim Lanighan - online
15th November - Simon Fisher - online
22nd November - Nancy Hunt - online
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Today was our face to face meeting. We started with open networking from 6.30am with coffee and chat. We had Colin Bateman visiting and subs, Paul Nash, Ian Lawry, Ollie Burrows and Sharon Betterton with us today. Thank you, for attending.

We started with open networking from 6.30am with coffee and chat. GREAT meeting and GREAT breakfast - Thank you Sturdy’s Castle Team. It was a very lively meeting with lots of banter and fun but lots of referrals being passed and TYFB of 1.8 million in the last 12 months in Academy alone.
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CHANGE OF VENUE - We have moved to the function room at Sturdy’s Castle, Banbury Rd, Kidlington OX5 3EP
We start at 6.30am for coffee and open networking. If you’d like to attend then please let us know. We meet face to face on the first Friday of each month and then on Zoom for the remainder of the month. Come and join us!
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ED SLOT - Sharon Betterton - Be Specific in your 60 seconds
Being specific and asking for someone by name allows other members to be on the look out for this person. You never know who knows who!
Speak clearly and concisely and repeat your chosen name so that people can hear you and write it down.
Check what you are saying is being heard and not just listened to.
Educate other members on who you are looking to be connected to and what your business does.
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60 SECONDS - Everyone gave great presentations about their businesses, educating the group about what they do and who they are looking to be introduced to. Want to know more, then do come for a visit.

Nancy Hunt from Nasio Tryst - Charity partner with Academy are holding a quiz on 14th Nov at the Loose Cannon Brewery in Abingdon, if anyone likes quizzing and would like to attend.

Vinny Kumar from Cherry Picked picked up another ESTA award in London last week, so well done Team Cherry Picked Residential.

Kim Lanighan from Optics accounting has also just won an award - so well done to Team Optics Accounting.

Alfie Potter, Becky Coyle, Charlotte Elmer, Chris Badger, David Boyce, Ian Gifford, Jamie Golding, Keith Hickson, Kieran O’Leary, Kim Lanighan, Masimba Chilongo, Nancy Hunt, Nicky Franklin, Rachel Yarwood, Stef Calleja-Gera, Tom Sowler and Vinny Kumar.
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FEATURE PRESENTATION: Kieran O’Leary - Parkside Financial Planning
Kieran and his team at Parkside Financial Planning sit with people today to help them define what is required for the future. They are able to assess your pensions and financial planning and help you come up with a suitable plan to make sure you are comfortable in your older years.

Kieran did a quiz to see how much people knew in the room, which was interesting and most people knew something but not all, so everyone learnt something new.

He then posed the question “what do you want your retirement to be?” - Kieran does some calculations with you to determine what is required to achieve these goals and then helps you with a plan.

Need help….then Kieran is your man. I’m sure he would love to have a chat so do get in touch.
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Member of the month was awarded to Masimba Chilongo from MC Architecture who will have 2 minutes for the month of Nov to tell people about his business. Masimba if a valuable member of Academy and totally deserves this accolade, so well done and thank you for all you do to help your fellow members.
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We would love to meet new businesses looking for a referral networking group and those people who want a fantastic group of other businesses to help and support. We have space in the group various professions including an HR, Web designer, plumber and many more. Get in touch and come along to a meeting, you never know who you might meet.