Alex Till, Chairman of the National Enterprise Network, addresses the membership as the first quarter of 2022 draws to a close.
Since I wrote to you last quarter, world events have brought into sharp focus the need to invest in strengthening our allegiances.
I am very pleased to tell you that the National Enterprise Network has grown by 4 members since my last update in December, all of whom share our vision for the future of enterprise.
You can read about Be Inspired Today, WSX, Life Beacon and Hub 109 by searching for them here on the NEN website. I encourage you to connect with them via Social Media and give them a warm welcome to #TeamNEN!
At the same time as on-boarding the newest members of our network, the team are processing each of your renewal forms – if you have not yet submitted yours, the blue box below gives you a quick recap of the process. To make it easier for you, both parts of the form are pre-populated with the information we currently hold about your organisation.
In addition to the Member Directory, NEN is now promoting our members to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country on British Business Bank’s search for a regional expert tool. A number of members enjoyed hearing from Paul Wain and Richard Bearman from the bank in January at our webinar on small business finance, as well as two highly interactive sessions with the APPG for Fair Business Banking and the Small Business Commissioner (SBC). Following the frank and open discussions we had with Liz Barclay, members will be given the chance to share case studies with UK Government, providing evidence of the need to protect micro businesses from larger firms with poor payment practices. Thank you to all those who have already agreed to contribute.
NEN is now part of a working group to raise awareness nationally of the implications for small businesses when larger companies fail to pay them on time. I look forward to updating you soon on the actions and outcomes of this group, and the resulting conversations with UK Government.
Please don’t forget that if you miss one of our online events, you can revisit the content at a time to suit you, on NEN’s You Tube channel.
Last quarter, the team were particularly busy with three Erasmus+ Multiplier events, showcasing Lean Innovation for Micro Enterprises, Smart Up: Screening for Business Health and Better Futures: Enabling Young Refugee Entrepreneurs. My thanks and congratulations to everyone involved, including our members Start Up Croydon and BEC who seized the opportunity to co-host our face to face events. Similar opportunities will be available for members this year, so please ensure you are receiving our marketing emails and contact Amy if there is anyone in your team who needs to be added.
Our first Member Huddle is planned for Thursday 24 March at 11am, where members (including business advisors) will be given a tour of NEN’s Partner Portal. This exclusive online marketplace offers enterprise supporters an easy way to help new and established small business owners find the right products and services to support their ventures.
The benefit for NEN members is that each time your clients make a purchase from one of our partners, NEN can pass on a referral reward.
From business insurance to computer software and printing, we hope you’ll use this tool daily as you carry out your valuable work supporting small businesses locally and nationally. Please email Lucy to book your place at the Member Huddle and I will see you there!
As always, if there is anything you would like to discuss or feedback about the direction of NEN please do not hesitate to contact me.
