Networking Group celebrates major milestone with members old and new

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire celebrated its 16th anniversary at its October networking lunch at Stanley House Hotel & Spa.

First launched in 2009 by organiser Karen Tems, The Business Network Central and East Lancashire is a membership organisation, bringing together business leaders and decision-makers in a structured, professional networking format that aims to help businesses connect and provide introductions for each other.

Now with more than 130 members, each lunchtime event includes an optional morning seminar, delivered by a specialist from within the membership, which is drawn from a wide range of sectors – from property and professional services to finance, hospitality, and IT.

The morning seminar is followed by pre-lunch drinks and a lively free-form networking session before a more formal sit-down meal and an opportunity to get to know fellow members and guests over lunch.

As well as its main monthly lunch events, BNCEL also hosts separate sector-specific spin-off groups, allowing people working in similar and aligned industries to network together and focus on issues they mutually face.  

Marking the anniversary with the entire membership at a champagne celebration at this month’s event, Karen said: “It’s hard to believe another year has passed and this amazing group has come together again to celebrate another anniversary together.

“At this month’s lunch, we welcomed several guests and new members to join us for the first time and acknowledged the contributions of some of our founding members – who have been with us every step of the way.

“Together we’ve supported one another during the ups and downs that are all part of the business cycle and we’re really proud to have grown with our members through thick and thin.

“In the early days, I had so much help from so many people and it’s wonderful to see many of them in the room today. I would like to say a huge thank you to them all.”

For more information about future events from The Business Network Central & East Lancashire, go to www.bncel.co.uk.