It may have only been 1st December but there was a definite festive feel to the last ‘official’ Bournemouth Boardroom Network of 2016. The Hallmark Hotel was resplendent with Christmas decorations and the frost outside reminded us that we are now well and truly in winter and hurtling towards that special day.
A warm and toasty welcome was given to 88 attendees which included over 20 guests, the majority of whom were new to The Boardroom Network, but it was fantastic to welcome back some old friends.
As ever, after a hearty breakfast, the table introductions were followed by our speakers. This month:
Ashley Brewer from A Plan Insurance regaled us with some hilarious examples of real-life insurance claims forms and the reasons given for accidents. But Ashley’s real message was that we should not always assume that low-cost comparison websites will automatically give us the cheapest quote – there are hidden costs built in and it is important to ensure that we have the right cover for what we need. A Plan is offering a free review of existing insurance cover during December.
Are you eating your 5 a day? Do you worry about how the fruit and vegetables you eat are grown? Gerard Maguire from Riverford Organic shocked us when describing the difference between organic and non-organic tomatoes. An organic tomato can be grown using 12 pesticides which are made from natural ingredients. However, a commercially grown tomato can be exposed to 320 different types of pesticide! The majority of Riverford’s vegetables are grown locally in Dorset. Riverford is currently running a Schools Education Programme where the company will donate £15 to every school where parents order a Riverford Organic Box.
Simon Head, from Head & Wheble Funeral Directors, read a very moving testimonial from a recently bereaved family who had used their services. Head & Wheble is a family business which was founded in the early part of the 20th century with the aim of advising friends, relatives and associates at a difficult and emotional time, and helping them give their loved ones a dignified and appropriate funeral.
A unique opportunity was offered to members immediately following the meeting to attend an exclusive workshop delivered by the dynamic Becky Craig of Blu Lake. The aim was to get members to think about going into the New Year, not as a New You but as an Improved You to get the most out of business and life in 2017.
Justin Cohen from The Italian Villa gave a lively and impassioned 2-minute presentation encouraging all members to the attend our White Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 14th December from 12pm. As he rightly said, it is a great opportunity for members to bring clients or contacts to experience The Boardroom Network in a fun and relaxed setting.
Just £35 per person to include a welcome drink on arrival and a 3-course gourmet lunch. For more details and to book, visit www.theboardroomnetwork.com/white-xmas
Congratulations to Mike Coggan from Grizzly who won the monthly prize for introducing the most guests.
The first Boardroom Network meeting in 2017 is on Thursday 12th January 2017, 7.00am-9.00am, Hallmark Hotel, Bournemouth.
Blog by Liz Gordon, Brilliant Fish PR & Marketing