Ferndown Business Network &#8211; Growing business together

As the Director of Brooklyn Freehold Ltd, I was tasked to oversee the repair and re-engineer of our gates at our property in Poole. I approached Kelvyn Green of Greenlight Electrical, and a site visit was arranged.

Kelvyn offered a solution which previous contractors hadn’t, it was a cost-effective re-engineering of our gates to provide a compliant health and safety solution, at a sensible price. The work was duly undertaken over a 4-day period.

We now have working gates that comply with the safety regulations and all the residents within the block are extremely happy with the solution and work completed.

The workmanship and attention to detail was truly excellent, what I’d refer to as proper artisan skills. The expertise and knowledge of Greenlight in respect of our gates and what was required, was very impressive.

They have been referred to our managing agents who are keen to instruct them to assist with other blocks they manage.

Andrew Garaway from Dorset Car Leasing

I joined FBN when I moved to the area three years ago. Apart from getting business it’s great to be able to give other people business too.

Every third week we do ‘networking with a difference’ which is always different and great fun. Building towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows was my favourite ???? I really look forward to getting up early on a Friday.

Gail Bannister

Fabulous service from FBN Member Kelvyn Green from Green Light Electrical. We had a power problem at home which meant that the freezer wasn’t on. A telephone call to Kelvyn in the morning and he was round late pm fixing the issue. Its great to know there’s that level of support from fellow FBN Members – Thank You Kelvyn!

Juli from Just ask Juli

Harry Bidgood – I recently asked Harry to do print some flyers for an exhibition I am attending along with some hand waver flags. Harry was immediate with his responses, asking for clarification on a number of options he had given me. When I felt a bit overwhelmed he offered to design some ideas and delivered within a few days. If you need anything printed – use Harry

Mick Betteridge

I needed 2 new commercial tyres on my van and after a lengthy search I asked Ian if he could help. Not only did he have my tyres replace din 2 days, he also provided me with a better quality tyre and cheaper than the competitors. Ian and his team always approach their work in a friendly and courteous manner and it’s a pleasure to take my vehicles there for all servicing needs.

Mick Betteridge

Our underfloor heating failed just before the Christmas period, just when the weather turned. Kelvyn Green went out of his way on the way home after completing another job and stopped in and fixed out heating that same day. What a great service!

Mick Betteridge

“A colleague of mine was overwhelmed the complexities of a large commercial lease with a local authority. I directed him to Martyn Hudson at Rawlins Davy Reeves who was able to renegotiate not only the lease but save my colleague a substantial sum of money over the period of the lease. This guy really knows his stuff!”

Mick Betteridge

“I had a huge administrative problem I had to deal with in a short space of time and was overwhelmed by the task. I spoke to Juli, who calmly and methodically worked through the issue and resolved my concerns and issues in a timely manner. Without Juli’s help I would still be swamped and facing some unhappy customers!”

Mick Betteridge – Veteran Entrepreneurs

“I used to be a keen photographer but hadn’t picked a camera up in years due to work and life commitments. I have recently started on a photography course with Paul from the Old Bakery and all I can say is simply WOW! There was so much I had forgotten and, so much that I didn’t know in the first place. Paul has opened my eyes into the world and power of photography so much so that I now don’t leave home with my camera, and I am capturing some great photographs that will be memories forever”

Mick Betteridge – Veteran Entrepreneurs

“After a recent presentation from Katie Bennett of Honey Legal I immediately reached out to my family members to update their Wills and create Lasting Powers of Attorney’s. It is often a subject we shy away from, but Katie’s presentation hit home with me the importance and necessity of both. She made the processes simple and easy to understand with care and compassion and now my family members feel safe, and reassured that should anything untoward happen their finances and wishes will be catered for.”

Mick Betteridge – Veteran Entrepreneurs

“My annual Public liability insurance was up for renewal. I spoke to Peter over a coffee and he suggested that he review it and give me his thought son whether I was being quoted for what I needed. Peter and I thoroughly reviewed by business, my services and my liabilities and it became quite obvious that the off the shelf policy I had through another broker was simply not fit for purpose. I am now paying less for something that covers me for more and I know that I am covered in my business giving me that peace of mind and something less to worry about whilst running my business.”

Mick Betteridge – Veteran Entrepreneurs

Over the past 20 years, I’ve continually networked as it’s been the life blood of success in my business career.

There are a lot of networking opportunities in the area (I ran 6 venues for over 4 years) so it’s important that you choose the ones that are right for you. FBN attracted me for 3 main reasons.

1. It’s relaxed, it’s good fun, it’s very friendly but still professional.

2. Unbelievable value for money

3. Genuine referrals from within the group. It’s the reason that there’s a waiting list for new members.

Peter Stockwell-Jones

Paul Wales from Fix It Windows and Doors recently fitted a French door in my flat. After a couple of days he popped round to make a small but important adjustment – would fully recommend Paul and his team.

Peter Stockwell-Jones

I highly recommend Kelvyn from Green Light Electrical – “Next time you blow a fuse ……” He’s on time, he’s efficient, he’s unbelievably tenacious because he had various problems fixing our entrance gates but he refused to give up; he’s even comfortable chatting to the ‘older’ residents who appear in the car park whenever a van arrives – makes their day! He drinks prodigious amounts of coffee without asking to use my ‘facilities’ but there are 12 large oak trees here in Oak Manor …..!

Peter Stockwell-Jones

Ferndown Business Network member Just ask Juli is a fantastic idea and is delivered with a high level of professionalism and has a service focused ethos. Juli has been working with me on a weekly basis for a few months and I am so pleased to have come across her when I did. Recently, I was required to step back from my business unexpectedly due to illness and Juli has been able to keep on top of the administrative tasks and keep the impact on my business to a minimum. Juli stepped in and with minimal training and direction she has understood exactly how she is best able to support my business. As I am now fully recovered we are exploring other skill sets that Juli has that I can also benefit from namely, marketing, training, client retention and compliance. Juli’s contribution to me and by business has truly improved my wellbeing, strengthen my business and has allowed my business to stretch to the next level which was not possible without her support.

Tara Harper