Active News
The latest from the Active Business Network Group - including reports on our Focus sessions - where our members give us a the low-down on their business, line of work and other interests...
15.02.12 an open Focus this week - we looked at the opportunities for members using social networking and whether the group should provide a platform to help. Watch this spacefor developments (quite literally!)
09.02.12 - Lyn Hodgekinson of Rustic Romance Florists kept us all entertained with her horticultural quiz. If only Tulips were stil worth more than Gold... we could help George Osbourne clear the defecit.
01.02.12 - Lee Bluesky from PC Rescue shared with us stories of his passion for music and artisitic differences with th erecord label he was signed to. The good news is that he's working on some new material with his band...
25.01.12 - Big thanks to visitor Julian Wellings of Expertise on Tap - who shared with the group his extensive list of top tips for email marketing. If you're venturing into theconfusing world of proactive online communication start here.
18.01.12 - Mike Allen from Utility Warehouse gave us a 'Brief history of Mike' and some of the lessons he has learned throughout 30+ years in business.
11.01.12 - Richard Bond who hosts our group meetings at Littledean House Hotel shared with us the exciting developments at Littledean House and Bond's dining.
04.01.12 - Paul Groves kicked the New Year off with an open Focus discussion about business resolutions... efficiency and organisation seemed to be a popular theme for most of us.
16.12.11 - Our Christmas do... despite 15 minutes of intense snow we all made it to the Littledean House Hotel for a great fun evening. See the snaps.
15.12.11 - Tim Beighton, of Maypole Garage, shared with us the rewarding experience of being a member of Cheltenham Round Table. He also told us how becoming a Unipart Care Centre is such a big benefit to Maypole customers. The parts installed by Maypole are covered by a countrywide 12month/12000 mile guarantee. Even better - if they fail within guarantee they'll be replaced for free by any Unipart Care Centre in the UK. So if you happen to be at the other end of the country when your spark plug stops sparking all you need to do is find the nearest Unipart Care Centre.
07.12.11 - with our best wishes we say goodbye to Andy May of Your Property People. Andy has decided to leave our group due to a clash of commitments. We wish Andy all the best, you'll always be welcome if you want to visit the group.
30.11.11 New members Natalie and Richard from High View Garden Centre gave everyone an insight into their decision to have a ‘change of direction’ and buy their own business. Natalie outlined their vision and plans for the future development of the site... suffice to say - it's really exciting!
23.11.11 Andy Breeze from AB electrical Solutions led the Focus - he told us about his other business - service, repair and maintenance of electric golf trolleys.
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16.11.11 Michael from ColourSells led the Focus and told us about his 10+ years running a print business in Florida... and how there is a country that has even more paperwork and process than the UK!
09.11.11 Dee from Deezynes told us about the history of her growing embroidery and apparel business. We were well impressed with her 'quilt of logos' - a patchwork of samples . We reckon it's big enough to fly from the roof of her business - during opening hours of course...
02.11.11 Rebecca Cox shared with us her thoughts on Photograhy - and in particular making sure you put your best pictures into print - so they can be properly enjoyed now - and by future generations.
26.10.11 Michelle Tussard Ward from Bliss Beauty and Body Wellness gave us an insight into her ancestry. We were fascinated by the story of Marie Tussard - better known as Madame Tussard - of waxwork fame.
19.10.11 Dropped in at the deep end for an an impromptu Focus - Greg from Cracking Communications introduced us to a rustic housebrick and the story of how it was bought - as a prompt for a lively discussion on 'brand experience' and customer service.
12.10.11 An open Focus where we discussed opening up our breakfast events to a wider variety of visitors - even from professions already represented in membership. If you would like to visit the group breakfast contact Carol or Paul.
05.10.11 Martin Firman of The Best of the Forest of`Dean shared with us his experience of being a senior Police Officer during the Miner's Strike in the mid-1980's.
21.09.11 Chim-Chiminey Andy Pattullo gave us a fascinating insight into life on a film set - based on his experience working with Film and TV stunt horses. Chaaaarrrrgge.
15.09.11 Mike Allen from Utility Warehouse explained the company philosophy of great value (especially their outstanding cash back card) with first-class customer service. Which probably explains why they are recommended by Which? and have won European Business of the year.
09.09.11 A week off from our Focus on our members. We talked about launching our new website. Oh, this IS our new website!
01.09.11 Lyn Hodgkinson from Rustic Romance had us all captivated with Focus into the creative world of Flowers and decoration. She's certainly the person to talk to for flowers for all occasions.
24.08.11 Lee from PC Rescue held his 'ask me any questions' Focus session. As you'd expect the questions were mostly about technology. Afterwards we realised we had forgotten to ask the great question of technology, the universe and everything... Mac or PC?
17.08.11 It was Nick from Positive Solutions' turn to give the Focus. He told us he's not a businessman that finds reward in closing a sale. For him it is about the challenge of sourcing a better product at a better price than his clients could find anywhere else. 'Tenacious' and obsessed' are words we'd use (in a completely complimentary way).
10.08.11 Following hypnotherapy treatment for fear of flying Paul Groves returned from holiday to tell the grouup he was cured.
All thanks to Jessie Paterson - regular breakfast visitor and friend of the group - who demonstrated hyponotherapy treatment (with Paul as the guinea pig) for an Active Focus back in June.
10.08.11 Thanks to Barry MacGabhann from First Data who visited the Group to talk about Credit Card payments and mobile payment terminals. If you're a business that needs to accept Credit Card payments, First Data are worth a look.
27.07.11 A Focus talk that had both depth and bouquet - at our breakfast meeting from Active member Richard Bond. Richard gave us a brillaint crash course in understanding wine and the major differences between The Old World and the New (in wine terms that is).
Richard will be running wine tasting events at the Littledean House Hotel this autumn - we will add diary dates as soon as we know when.
20.07.11 Active member Tim Beighton of Maypole Cars presented the Focus. He told us about being part of the Unipart Car Care scheme - reputable independent garages that are supported by a nationwide guarantee and customer service pledge.
