A popular Llanelli business breakfast club has strengthened its line-up with the addition of some new key players.
The trio of new members at the Business Network International (BNI) Chapter in Llanelli is led by Llanelli Reds football club defender Chris Thomas.
And the line-up is completed by Llanelli solicitor Michael Davey and finance and mortgage specialist Nigel Wain.
Membership of the BNI business network is all about being part of a bigger team, said visitor host Paul Thomas.
Everyone comes to a BNI meeting with their own individual skills and talents, but the power of the meeting comes through the way members work together.
Reds star Chris Thomas, of John F Harvey chartered accountants, agreed.
He added: Joining the BNI breakfast club in Llanelli has been a great help. We can all learn from each other as the meeting contains people from such varied backgrounds.
These are challenging times in business and the club is really useful as a support mechanism. You know that fellow members are there to support you and to encourage you to do better in business.
The BNI Chapter in Llanelli is still looking for new members for the Thursday morning club at The Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.
Kick off is 7am, said visitor host Paul Thomas.
Yes, its an early start. But it does help you get some quality time at the start of the day to give your business a lift and, lets face it, nowadays everyone needs help and support to meet the challenges posed by the state of the economy.
One of the things new members are always impressed with is the fact that the meetings create a real buzz in the morning. We start the day energised as theres a lot of enthusiasm in our meetings.
It is estimated that each seat around the Llanelli BNI breakfast table is worth more than 12,000 in business.
The key to this is in the make-up of the BNI membership. No two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.
In Llanelli, the membership includes a plasterer, electrician, builder, web designer, IT support consultant and an environmental auditor.
It really is a great mix, said Mr Thomas.
As well as the networking and the support BNI provides, the meeting also enables members to pass business referrals to each other, which can vary from firm orders from one business to the next or an introduction to a potential client.
The business between the BNI members is monitored and in money terms we know that the BNI members have done more than 200,000 worth of business between each other since September, 2009.
BNI details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Director Nick Romanello. Email address nicholas@bni-southwales.com. Venue: Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 0700am - 0830am
If you are interested in joining the Llanelli BNI, then ring Phil Evans for an informal chat on 07796 990493
Website
www.bni-southwales.com