Loyal Networkers Put Business Before Sleep

Members of Leeds’ largest business networking group proved their dedication by attending their weekly meeting directly from a night spent sleeping rough in the city.

The sponsored ‘sleep-out’ was organised by Simon On The Streets – an independent charity which offers emotional and practical support to those people who are hard to engage, have a range of complex needs and are at risk of rough sleeping.

The charity’s general manager Helen Beachell joined the BNI Network Central business networking group three months ago and was delighted when nine other members offered to join her for a night in sleeping bags and cardboard to raise money for the cause.

In a further show of commitment, the networkers all went directly from the sleep-out, which took place from 9.30pm on Thursday October 26, to their weekly 6.30am meeting at Weetwood Hall. 

Network Central’s membership secretary, Keeley Edge of Key Appointments, was one of those who took part in the sleep-out.

“Some people think we’re crazy to meet that early every Friday, but there is a great atmosphere at the meetings and – as this event demonstrates – all the members are really supportive of each other,” she said.

“The motto of BNI is ‘givers gain’, and that is something that all our group members take very seriously.”

Attendance is paramount at BNI meetings as members have to build trusting relationships with other businesspeople in the group, to ensure that they are passed good quality referrals of work.  Network Central has generated £2.3million worth of business over the past 12 months, making an average seat value of £60,000 for each of the 36 current members.

Keeley explained that there was no question of the nine members missing the meeting, despite most of them having gone more than 24 hours without sleep.

She continued: “It was a new experience for all of us to go to a networking meeting without sleep or showers, but we got a great reception from the other members and visitors.

“The sleep-out was a fantastic event to take part in and definitely makes you realise how hard it must be to sleep rough every night.  Although it was a fairly mild night I could not get over the cold.  I was wearing three layers and had a sleeping bag and ear muffs and could not get warm.”

The Network Central members raised more than £2,500 towards the total of £14,500 that was generated by the 120 members of the Leeds business community who took part in the event.

The annual sleep out is now in its fourth year and has grown year on year.

Helen Beachell commented: “The support that the business community has shown us for this event has been second to none and the money raised is vital to the charity.  Particular thanks to the team from BNI Network Central who have supported the event not only through fundraising, but also through offers of skill-based support.  It really is fantastic to see local businesses of all sizes showing their support to local charity.”

This year’s event was sponsored by Box Pizza and Simon On The Streets is seeking sponsors for future events.  Contact Helen Beachell on 01484 483141 or for more information see www.simononthestreets.co.uk

If you are interested in joining a BNI networking group contact regional director Rick Armstrong on 07738 413262.

Image attached: The nine BNI Network Central members who took part in the sponsored sleep-out: (Left to right) John Hardstaff of Limelight Business Development; Catherine Casey of Rockwood Financial Solutions; Keeley Edge of Key Appointments; Karen Dammone of Karen Dammone Interior Architecture; Vincent Gledhill of GreenerU; Gavin McBride of Smith McBride chartered accountants and tax consultants; Paul Benner of Signature Flooring (on ground); Jonathan Rutter of Selective Networks; Richard Lucas of Vision Office.

About BNI

BNI (Business Network International) is a 26-year-old business and professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a group. With over 6,441 active groups, and 157,971 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world.  Follow Network Central on Twitter @BNINetCentLeeds.