Burgis & Bullock, the Warwickshire-based firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, has re-launched its special, regular forums to help businesses become more successful in 2006.

The ‘Business Growth Network (BGN)’ forums are now entering their third successful year in Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa. The groups are fun, vibrant and lively entrepreneurs who meet up and share their experience, expertise, information, advice and secrets, as well as leads, referrals, introductions and networking opportunities.

Each forum also offers an informative and topical presentation and in January the group learnt how businesses can win and keep customers without cutting their prices - even when their competitors are cheaper!

Trevor Day, a business development partner at B&B said: “The Business Growth Network is an excellent platform for local businesses to network with businesses from across the Midlands. Our members regularly become exposed to exciting new ways of thinking.

“It is an opportunity for them to discover practical and real life solutions to their business issues. Plus the Strategic Board section of the BGN is extremely useful as this is a perfect opportunity to discuss any challenges they come across in their business as well as a great Networking opportunity where many delegates have found new work for their businesses.”

As the focus of the BGN sessions is to make changes that will have a real impact on your business, delegates are encouraged to take away at least ‘one thing’ from that meeting that they will commit to taking action on. A prize and business coaching is given each month for the best result.

This month’s ‘one thing’ winner was Kathy Gorman, Managing Director at Fosse Data Systems Ltd (incorporating Regent Print), a reliable and professional printing service that specialises in dog shows large and small, including Crufts. It also undertakes commercial print and design work.

A prize was given to Kathy for implementing various systems ideas to her business throughout her membership, which will ultimately maximise the business potential. Here are a couple of examples:

As an ISO registered company, the level of customer feedback at Fosse Data Systems Ltd was previously obtained by measuring the feedback as a gold, silver or bronze star. The business coaching sessions obtained at the BGNs helped Kathy to design a list of specific questions to obtain a more effective result. She also introduced a fun element at work by treating her team to a day out at the zoo!

Commenting on her prize, Kathy said: “By becoming a BGN member, we have been able to develop systems internally and further increase our quality and level of service to our customers, which is invaluable in any business.”

The next BGNs will take place in Nuneaton on 22 February, Leamington Spa on 2 March and Rugby in Warwickshire on 3 March and the topic will be “Interpreting the numbers in your accounts”. Future topics include ‘Getting Customers To Buy More from You’, ‘Creating a high-achievement culture’ and ‘How To Ignite your People!’

To celebrate the success of the Business Growth Network’s re-launch in 2006, we are offering a six-month’s free membership to one lucky reader of the Birmingham Post. To claim your prize, contact Jenny McKeown on 01926 468702 or email your details to jenny.mckeown@burgis-bullock.co.uk.