BNI A2Z Chapter

28/05/2026

Another brilliant presentation this week at BNI A2Z Billericay 👏

This time from Mark Cooling , owner of C&H Fire Protection LTD — a business specialising in compliant fire protection systems for both residential and commercial environments.

Mark gave us all a real insight into the level of planning, compliance and technical expertise involved in modern fire protection and just how important it is for businesses, contractors and property owners to get this right.

Some of the key services discussed included:

🔥 Residential & commercial fire sprinkler systems
🔥 Fire alarms (conventional, addressable & aspirating systems)
🔥 Dry & wet risers
🔥 Fire extinguishers
🔥 Installation, testing, certification & ongoing maintenance
🔥 Compliance reporting and asset management systems

What really stood out was C&H Fire’s focus on compliance, organisation and accountability, including the use of digital asset management systems allowing clients access to service records, worksheets and reports in real time.

Mark also explained the ideal referral opportunities for the business, including:

➡️ Facilities & building management companies
➡️ Main contractors & builders
➡️ Fire alarm & M&E companies
➡️ Care homes, hospitals & schools
➡️ Warehousing & industrial sites
➡️ Local authorities and councils

C&H Fire Protection work across London and the South East, supporting projects from survey and installation right through to testing, certification and long-term maintenance.

A really informative presentation from a business helping keep people, buildings and businesses protected every single day 👏

27/05/2026

Great insights this week at BNI A2Z Billericay from Nick Hurt of Progressa 👏

Nick delivered a really informative presentation around the ever changing world of HR, employment law, leadership and workplace compliance, particularly the updates many SME business owners simply cannot afford to ignore.

A few key takeaways included:

➡️ Written employment particulars from day one
➡️ Correct rates of pay and fair procedures
➡️ Stronger employment policies around bullying, harassment, whistleblowing and equality
➡️ Changes to employment rights timelines
➡️ The end of “fire and rehire” practices
➡️ Ongoing focus on fair work and compliance

What stood out most was Nick’s practical, commercially-minded approach. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear advice designed to help businesses protect themselves, support their teams properly and build stronger workplaces.

ProgressA specialise in HR Consultancy, Health & Safety, Recruitment Support and Leadership Coaching for SMEs, helping businesses improve people performance, compliance and culture.

If you’re a business owner employing staff or planning to grow your team this was a timely reminder that HR is no longer something to “sort later”. The rules are evolving quickly.

Thanks again Nick for an excellent presentation and for sharing your expertise with the room 👏

19/05/2026

A powerful presentation this week at BNI A2Z Billericay from Graham Pretty at

Most people think insurance is only tested when they pay the premium…

The REAL test is when you actually need to make a claim after:
🔥 a fire
💧 flood or escape of water
🏠 major damage to your home or business
😩 and you suddenly find yourself battling policy wording, exclusions, underinsurance and insurers whilst already stressed.

Graham explained how a professional loss assessor works for YOU, not the insurance company, helping clients navigate claims, negotiate settlements and take pressure off at one of the most difficult times imaginable.

A few standout points:
➡️ Protecting broker/client relationships during claims
➡️ Helping homeowners and businesses maximise fair outcomes
➡️ Reducing stress, complaints and confusion
➡️ Understanding the small print most people never read until it’s too late

One thing that really stood out to us was that people insure their homes, businesses and possessions… but very few truly understand what happens AFTER the disaster.

A brilliant presentation from Graham and a reminder that expertise matters most when life goes wrong.

If you know:
🏡 Homeowners dealing with major damage
🏢 Business owners facing insurance claim issues
🔧 Builders / agents involved in claim situations
🤝 Insurance brokers wanting support for clients

…then Graham is definitely someone worth knowing.

HomeInsurance CommercialInsurance

12/05/2026

A huge congratulations to some members of the A2Z BNI chapter on the launch of Solely Digital

Solely Digital has been created to help sole traders and landlords stay compliant with Making Tax Digital. The service helps with Making Tax Digital guidance, software setup, digital record-keeping, and quarterly submissions.

If you’re a sole trader and/or a landlord and you’re feeling confused about digital tax submissions, accounting software, or what the new rules mean for you, Solely Digital offers clear, practical support to help make the process simple.

Take a look here: www.solelydigital.co.uk

It’s great to see local businesses within our chapter coming together to create services that genuinely help people.

12/05/2026

🚨 Business owners… especially trades 👀

This week at BNI A2Z Billericay, Natalie Jackson from Action Coach
reminded us that “being busy” and “having a plan” are two VERY different things.

Her message was simple but powerful ⤵️

Clear goals- Defined priorities- Focused actions- Accountability- SMART planning

Because let’s be honest too many business owners spend their days and weeks putting out fires, chasing invoices and working IN the business instead of ON it 🔥😂

Natalie explained how proper planning helps businesses:

📈 Focus on high-value activities
⏰ Use time more effectively
💰 Make better decisions faster
📊 Track real progress and results

Particularly valuable for trades businesses where time disappears quicker than a bacon roll at a builders’ merchants 😅

Natalie also mentioned she has a couple of spaces left on her upcoming 90 Day Planning Event on 22nd May at Essex Wildlife Reserve, Hanningfield Reservoir.

If you’re serious about growth, structure and accountability… this will be time very well spent 👊🏼

Thank you Natalie for sharing with us your knowledge and passion for making a difference to local businesses 🙏🏻

24/04/2026

🚨 Got workers, but payroll’s doing your head in? 🚨

This week at BNI A2Z Billericay, Lesley Bineham from Faraday Pay Contracts Limited dropped some serious knowledge

If you’ve got subcontractors, CIS headaches or you’re juggling who’s employed vs self-employed 👉 that’s where things can go very wrong (and become very expensive 😬)

Lesley and the team at Faraday Pay Contracts take all that stress off your plate:

✔️ Payroll sorted
✔️ CIS handled
✔️ HMRC kept happy
✔️ Admin? Gone.

So instead of stressing over paperwork, you can crack on growing your business 👊🏼

If your workforce is growing but your headaches are growing faster, you need Lesley in your corner.

22/04/2026

Good luck to Myotas - My Own Time And Space our charity seat member, who have been nominated for a national send award from the Council for a Disabled Children.

Their by parents, for parents ‘supporting your neurodivergent child book’ has been given to over 19k families and is available free to parents and carers of neurodivergent young people in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
https://essexfamilyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ECC-Supporting-Your-Neurodiverse-Child-Spring-2024-V4-Accessible.pdf

One parent said ‘it answers the questions I didn’t know that I needed to ask’

Proud to be shortlisted for a national SEND award | Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child

19/04/2026

🚨 Still “hoping” your property stays safe? That’s not a plan… that’s luck 🤦🏼‍♂️

Basildon based bring 45+ years of family run expertise keeping homes & businesses locked down properly 🔐

educated us this week and how they have added value in the local and surrounding areas.

💥 What they do? Well quite a lot actually ⤵️

• Intruder Alarms 🚨
• CCTV & Remote Access 📹
• Access Control 🚪
• Fire & Safety Systems 🔥
• Key Holding & Security 🚓
• 24/7 Support 🔧

🔥 Why they’re different?….check these out ⤵️

✅ Family-run = they actually care
✅ NSI Gold accredited
✅ Tailored systems (no copy & paste jobs)
✅ NO long-term contracts, stay because you want to not because you’re stuck. (We love this ❤️)

💬 Bottom line…If it matters to you then protect it properly.

👉 C**t Security serious protection and no nonsense.

Thanks Matt 🙏🏻

15/04/2026

If in doubt ……test and find out!

Paul Bramley from British Polygraph Testing is one of our members. He loves coffee, lots of it.

Trust is at the core of what we do.

Every client is treated with discretion, professionalism, and impartiality from start to finish.

We understand the sensitive nature of the situations we support - and we approach each case with care and respect.

📩 Get in touch if you’d like to speak confidentially.
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.britishpolygraphtesting.com