Mark Irlam appointed BNI area director for BNI Lancashire

Mark Irlam will be stepping up as the new Area Director for BNI Lancashire region.

Irlam previously had the role of Director Consultant for the past 18 months, and was one of a team supporting BNI Lancashire under the executive director, Louise Eccles.

As part of the development plan for BNI Lancashire, they have reintroduced the role of Area Director to operate on behalf of the executive director and support all of BNI Lancashire.

Previously, the region has been run by the team of director consultants, who are each responsible for looking after one or more groups.

The goal of Irlam’s appointment is to bring the entire region together under one leader, to foster a greater sense of unity and collaboration between groups, and to pool resources so that every group has the same opportunities to grow.

Irlam has been appointed to this role as a result of his experience, passion, and deep understanding of the region’s business community and it’s needs. He was previously part of the director consultants team, making him the ideal choice to now lead this team as a whole, bringing the region’s vision to life.

The vision for the BNI Lancashire region is as follows:

• Every chapter (group) sitting at 20 members or more
•  Members receiving quality referrals, growing their business and community
• No member left behind

With Irlam on board, BNI Lancashire and very hopeful that this vision will become a reality sooner than expected.

He will soon begin touring these BNI networking groups as he makes a big push to introduce himself to all of the local BNI members, and continue his work championing growth in the region, this time on a grander scale.

Irlam said: “I want us to have a region of thriving businesses and communities who share quality referrals, amazing innovative ideas, best practices, and the make a lasting impression on you, your family, your colleagues, and your communities.”

Born in Burnley, Irlam is a director at Mewies Solicitors, a private law firm based in Skipton.

Irlam has spent most of his life living and working in the Lancashire area, and has a deep relationship with the community.

He previously was a trustee of Pendleside Hospital for three years and is keen to support his community wherever he can.

When talking about other ways that BNI can help individuals, not just communities at large, Irlam said: “After seeing my now chapter president in BNI Kudos come in originally as a member being scared stiff, she has grown as a person, and so has her business. She had one aim, which was to make enough money to take her kids to Lapland and Florida, and that is what she has achieved this year; she will take her kids to Lapland this year and her family to Florida next year.”

On why he took the role, Irlam said: “It was a no-brainer to me. I want to give back to the local area; getting the best for Lancashire, and helping its businesses to be the best that they can be.

“The role isn’t much different than being a director consultant; it’s about serving other people.

"I will still be supporting the director consultants, looking after them and using my team to support the members, for the members to then get quality referrals and lots of business generated. That’s ultimately what changes people’s lives, families and communities.”