Early birds pitch in to provide support

Every Tuesday morning, professionals from various fields gather on the 30th floor of Churchill Place's Barclays headquarters to share referrals and pitch new ideas.

They have been meeting for around three years under the banner of the Business Referral Exchange, but are now branching out on their own as the Docklands Networking Group.

The DNG offers an informal atmosphere where members can boost their business and brush up on their speaking skills.

Each week, every member gives a 60-second update to the room on services or contacts that they're seeking, while one a week gives a longer 10-minute presentation. There's also time near the end for everyone to pass round referrals that they've picked up for their fellow members during the week.

As only one representative from each profession is allowed, the not-for-profit group covers a broad spectrum from solicitors, mortgage brokers and stationery companies to accountants and osteopaths.

Sean Satterley, of ISIS office products, took advantage of contacts gathered from the group last year when he launched the Rondue, a table-top grill designed for social dining.
He said: "I get eight per cent of my business through networking, four per cent through the Docklands Business Club and four per cent from here."

The group are hoping to increase their numbers over the next few months, and are kicking off the process with a launch event at their 30th floor meeting place at 7.30am on September 22. As part of the launch, the DNG is also offering a place on the group to a new business start-up to give a boost to a budding enterprise.

The successful applicant from the Docklands and Canary Wharf area would receive free membership for the first year, and benefit from encouragement and advice from the experienced professionals.

Established Docklands businesses are also free to join the group, which also counts Barclays, Canary Wharf Group, Tower Hamlets College and UEL's Knowledge Dock among its members.

Member Stuart McNeill, of mortgage advisers London and City Financial Services, said: "A lot of business is passed around the table. You can give someone a recommendation or a referral, and it also helps to develop confidence in public speaking."

To learn more about the launch or DNG, call Stuart McNeill on 0207 4767513.