Business network an invaluable resource

Networking works: (l-r): Thomas Yates, Dave Beharall, Lisa Gee, Julie Crowley (from Clear Mind Coaching and Counselling), and Phil Kelly.

THREE businessmen who give their time to run a business network for the benefit of Oldham have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in the Business category.

David Beharall, who owns and runs digital marketing consultancy Candid Sky, and business partners Thomas Yates and Phil Kelly, whose Purple Giraffe organisation utilises social media to develop growth, are the team in charge of Oldham Business Network.

Set up just over a year ago as a social network for Oldham people in business, the Oldham Business Network now has more than 540 members with new members joining almost daily.

The site is free to join and exists to further the cause of business in Oldham.

“In these difficult times it is an invaluable resource,” said Lisa Gee, who has grown her fledgling business, Pamper and Pose, with contacts made at the monthly gatherings.

David, Tom and Phil run the site and update regularly alongside running their own businesses . . . and they do not make a penny from the site, says Lisa. Every month there is an OBN social, an opportunity for members to get together over a drink in a relaxed social setting. There are no fees, no presentations and no formal networking.

The network works on the principle that people will buy from people they know and trust and it works brilliantly.

A lot of professional relationships and friendships have been built because of OBN, and a lot of business has been done by a lot of people as a result. There is even scope for sub-groups to be set up within OBN by anyone who wishes to get on with it.

Lisa said: “Some months ago, I set up a group for mums in business who, like myself, are struggling to juggle child care with setting up and running a business from home.

“We meet in play centres or other venues where we can take the children along and share ideas and support each other.

“There is a wonderful air of sharing and co-operation within OBN that I have not encountered in any other networking model.”

David, Tom and Phil set the tone from the beginning, making themselves available and putting themselves out to help anyone whenever they can. That ethos has filtered down and you will regularly find one member of OBN doing a favour for another, or skill-swopping where budgets are not available to pay for services. Members have done a fair amount for charity, too.

Lisa added: “I cannot speak for everyone, but I found OBN right at the start as I was setting up my business. Without it I am not sure I would have had the confidence or support to see it through.

“As yet there has been little mention of the network anywhere in the media. I think it is time the boys got the recognition they deserve.”

Dave Beherall had the idea for the network after winning a One Oldham Business Award.

He said: “I looked around the room and at this community and thought that only good things can come from us getting together on a more regular basis.

“The members drive the networking and that’s where the power lies — in the members. To have these benefits recognised by this nomination is just wonderful.”