FBN is taking care of business in Derry

The not-for-profit business network has been generating an average of £20,000 per week in business for its members - resulting from word-of-mouth referrals - since it was set up in May, 2014.

Magheramason businessman Richard Brown has now become one of the biggest success stories of FBN after his company, Concept Building Solutions, secured a seven figure contract thanks to his membership of the group.

Richard, who specialises in insurance claims management and building repair, explained: “I’ve picked up quite a bit of work through word-of-mouth referrals from FBN since joining last year but nothing like my latest contract which is with a huge company.

“It’s important to note that it wasn’t the word of mouth aspect of FBN that led to my new contract but the education I received in the group on cold call selling and using LinkedIn.

“Before joining FBN, I always had trouble with sales, particularly cold call selling. But, thanks to an education slot delivered by FNB education co-ordinator Paul Fieldhouse, I’ve now taken my business to an altogether new level.

“Being a part of FBN is the best move I’ve made in business so far. Since joining the group, I’ve had a real spring in my step when going about my business. It’s a great feeling every Tuesday morning to have plenty of business done before others have even rolled out of bed,” he added.

FBN Education Co-ordinator, Paul Fieldhouse, from Hyperion Growth, said Richard’s success story was the most notable since the formation of the group but insisted it was not the only one.

“FBN has been generating anything up to £50,000 in business for its members per week from word-of-mouth referrals in the past two years,” he added. “Members have forged great relationships and have grown to know, like and trust one another – those relationships are the foundations of FBN’s prosperity.

“Richard’s fantastic achievement with Concept Building Solutions is the biggest FBN success story we are aware of so far and we hope to build on that either through referrals or providing education to promote practical skills that help drive businesses forward.”

Mr Fieldhouse added: “The value of the education provided by members for members each week far outweighs the cost of membership and is of tremendous benefit to business owners. There’s also the added bonus that it’s really engaging and enjoyable, too.

“To mark Derry-Strabane Enterprise Week, we’re inviting businesses to come along to FBN’s meeting next Tuesday morning (February 23) to learn how to network effectively. Anyone interested in joining us at the Northern Ireland Science Park in Derry can just drop us an email at [email protected]

The open event, which is part of Derry-Strabane Enterprise Week, will take place from 6.45am–9am.