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New business association providing huge economic As many businesses across the region struggle to recover from the recession, a new association is helping small to medium size businesses to flourish in Suffolk. Since joining Refer-On - which partners Government supported programmes to boost business opportunities and reduce unemployment - companies across the county are reporting increased business of up to 60%, with one Suffolk trader crediting the group with “saving his business. Sudbury businessman Ian Messenger, 56, who has worked in the IT industry for 30 years and now specialises in search engine optimisation, said: “Just before Christmas I received a huge blow when my biggest client was hit by the recession and I lost 75% of my business. I was looking at going out of business until I joined the Refer-On group. However, through the professional support coupled with the networking opportunities offered via the association, I am now back on my feet. Joining Refer-On is one of the best decisions I have made and it saved my business.” Refer-On is a special association of business owners, business leaders and independent traders, with ‘hubs’ across the county. Hubs meet weekly to offer members professional help, support and encouragement in addition to a wealth of networking opportunities.
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Colin Stewart, Managing Director at Envisage Solutions, which recently moved to new headquarters in Bury St Edmunds after trading in Ipswich for eight years, said: “Refer-On has a fantastic learning culture and it has taught me new skills, which have been so beneficial. I now operate my business in a more productive, effective and profitable way. In the past six-months my turnover has increased by 50%, and it is no coincidence that I have been attending Refer-On meetings in that time.” Refer-On fosters a unique ‘hub’ system making it stand out from other business support groups. Essential B2B advice including workshops, talks and presentations, are provided at weekly meets. Members are not restricted to their ‘home’ hub; they are also able to visit other hubs at any time, which enables them to significantly increase their business network and contacts. Paul Garrard, a partner at Haldeigh based chartered accountants Walter Wright, joined Refer-On in December 2009 and is already reaping the benefits. He said: “Refer-On has given me access to other small and medium sized enterprises, which I wouldn’t normally be able to get into. It has allowed me to tap into resources, information and contacts allowing me to widen my business scope. I am confident Refer-On will help me to generate significant new business.” Refer-On first launched in Suffolk 12-months ago and now has hubs in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Woodbridge and Hadleigh. In total around 100 businesses and sole traders are members of Refer-On in Suffolk, ranging from accountants, IT consultants, graphic designers, property developers, printers, landscape gardeners and even a hypnotist. Most hubs hold breakfast meetings to avoid key trading hours. |
Suffolk utility broker Paul Johnstone, who has now become the Refer-On Eastern Region Director, said: “A lot of businesses have been struggling, but I can honestly say attending Refer-On meetings has resulted in me winning 60% more business this year. I now want to encourage more small to medium size businesses to come and join us so they too can enjoy the same benefits.” The association is now looking for opportunities to open new hubs throughout Suffolk and is soon launching groups in Colchester, north Essex, Harlow and Northamptonshire. Anyone interested in joining any of the other More information can also be found at: Members of the media needing further information should contact Patrick Lowman on 01787 370120 or 07792 428555. |
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