From right to left: Sean Farnell, a business development partner at Burgis & Bullock presents this month’s prize to Rob Haylett, Paynes of Hinckley.

A local firm of chartered accountants and business advisers is inviting local businesses to a series of business growth networks (BGNs) in 2006, where they can meet up with like-minded people, share experiences and information and network.

At a recent BGN, the business coaches from Burgis & Bullock examined the different concepts for effective pricing strategies in business. The forum explored the benefits of discounts and guarantees, how businesses can offer non-price increases and ways in which to provide a sensational service.

Sean Farnell, a business development partner at Burgis & Bullock said: “We have successfully hosted the BGNs for over three years and one of the main focus points is for the delegates to make changes that will have a real impact on their business. The delegates are encouraged to take away “one thing” from the meeting that they will commit to taking action on and a prize and business coaching is given each month for the best result.”

This month’s winner is Rob Haylett, marketing manager at Paynes of Hinckley, a family owned Ford Main Dealer established in 1922 which offers the complete range of Ford vehicles.

Paynes’ philosophy centres on looking after the customer for life and applying a genuine, honest approach in today’s competitive environment, so they were keen to create a more effective pricing strategy for clients, starting with owners whose cars are over 3 year old but who wish to still have their cars serviced by a main dealer. As a BGN member for 2½ years, Rob was able to use this experience and knowledge when formulating a “bundled package” aimed at cars of this age. Paynes’ Rapid Fit department is now able to offer a servicing specifically suited to any vehicle of this age.

His prize was a prize to aid further improvement in his working practices.

Rob said: “By becoming a BGN member, we have implemented various ideas, suggestions and new systems into the business and most importantly we have learnt how to work “on” the business rather than “in” it. Our skills and quality control procedures were recently put to the test by Leicester Trading Standards when they secretly tested 10 motor dealers in the county. Paynes Garages passed with flying colours, finding and rectifying all the faults present with the vehicle and the BGNs have helped us to achieve this excellent status.”

The next BGNs will take place in Nuneaton on 17 May, Rugby on 24 May and Leamington Spa on 25 May and the topic will be “Getting customers to buy more from you”. Future topics include “Creating a systematic approach to building a business that really works” and “How to ignite people”.

Membership of the BGN costs £25.00 + VAT per month, but Burgis & Bullock would like to invite first timers to try two sessions for FREE. Contact Jenny McKeown on 01926 468702 for more details.