Read BNI

Read BNI Read BNI is a chapter of BNI (Business Network International) based in West Swindon. Find out how you can come to our next meeting!

BNI is the world's leading business referral organisation and is great for building your professional network. Read BNI is a Swindon based chapter of BNI (Business Network International) which is the worlds largest and most successful business referral network.

♦️Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Grace Brown fro...
16/02/2026

♦️Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Grace Brown from Riverview Portfolio, Your Added Value Accountants.

Grace will be sharing insight into how proactive, commercially focused accountancy support helps business owners make informed decisions, improve profitability and plan confidently for the future.

Riverview Portfolio goes beyond compliance, offering strategic financial guidance that supports growth, protects assets and adds measurable value.

With a strong understanding of the pressures directors face, Grace works closely with clients to provide clarity around tax planning, business structuring, cashflow forecasting and long-term financial strategy. It is about partnership, not just year-end accounts.

Grace is looking to connect with:�• Business owners and managing directors�• Solicitors specialising in commercial, family or conveyancing work�• Insolvency practitioners�• Property developers, landlords and investors�• Quantity surveyors�• Bank relationship managers

BNI meetings are structured, focused and designed to build strong relationships that lead to trusted, high-quality referrals.

If you are serious about strengthening your network, building strategic partnerships and growing your business through recommendation, this is an excellent opportunity to see BNI in action.

📅 Wednesday�⏰ 6.30am – 8.30am�📍 Village Hotel Swindon�👉 Register to attend

♦️ £1.1 Million in 12 Months ♦️Between January 2025 and January 2026, the members of BNI Read West Swindon passed an imp...
15/02/2026

♦️ £1.1 Million in 12 Months ♦️

Between January 2025 and January 2026, the members of BNI Read West Swindon passed an impressive £1.1 million worth of business between them.

That is not just activity.
That is measurable, trackable revenue.

These are quality referrals that turned into genuine opportunities.

Introductions built on trust.
Conversations that converted into real growth.

At BNI, referrals are not vague recommendations. They are structured, intentional and accountable. Every member understands:
♦️ What a good referral looks like
♦️ Who they are actively looking to connect with
♦️ How to pass opportunities that truly add value

This is professional referral networking backed by a proven system.

When business owners commit to supporting each other consistently, results follow.

£1.1 million from one chapter. In just 12 months.

If you are serious about growing your business through trusted relationships, come and see how BNI Read West Swindon works.

Stronger relationships.
Better referrals.
Real results.

11/02/2026

♦️ WOW. What an amazing meeting this morning at BNI Read West Swindon! ♦️

⏰ 6:30am alarm
🌧️ Wet February morning
💥 Packed room full of energy

That’s what committed business owners look like.

Today’s meeting was buzzing from start to finish.

Members and visitors showed up ready to connect 🤝 collaborate 💬 and pass powerful referrals 📈

Our visitors came from a wide range of sectors and complemented our existing members brilliantly. We’re excited about the prospect of welcoming some of them into the chapter very soon 👏

We’ve also recently welcomed two new members to BNI Read, and the room is getting stronger every single month 💪

It was fantastic to have our Chapter Director and Chapter Ambassador with us, supporting the continued momentum and growth of the chapter 🚀

💡 Education Slot
Nikki Kinton from Confident Cashflow delivered a practical and highly valuable session on passing effective referrals. Not all referrals are equal.

Nikki broke down how to ensure the referral is right for the individual, increasing clarity, trust and conversion within the room 🎯

🎤 10-Minute Presentation
Hayriye Mazzotta from SmartPA gave a fascinating presentation on AI and virtual assistance.

The message was clear: AI should complement virtual assistants, not replace them 🤖

Hayriye goes far beyond inbox management. From business development and tenders to professional accreditations and strategic support, she demonstrated how a VA can act as a genuine strategic partner, especially for trades and associations who need structured, dependable support 🧠

Plenty of quality conversations.
Plenty of new connections.
Plenty of opportunity created.

BNI Read West Swindon is building serious momentum for the next 12 months 📊

If you’re a proactive business owner looking for structured referral growth and real accountability, come and see what we’re about.

10/02/2026

I’m genuinely so chuffed to share that I’ve been shortlisted for two awards at the South West Business & Community Awards 🤩🥳

The last few months have been the busiest I’ve had since starting Giddy Octopus — so showing up online hasn’t been my top priority.

But behind the scenes… so much has been happening. And this recognition felt like the perfect place to start sharing again.

When I applied for the awards, it gave me a rare chance to pause and really reflect — not just on the last year, but on the whole journey since I started Giddy Octopus back in June 2024.

I felt so proud of everything we have achieved.

Going through the nomination process made me realise something — being authentic, bold, approachable and (sometimes painfully) resilient is exactly what has got me to where I am today.

Those values are what helped me start the conversations, show up to the events and say yes to the opportunities that eventually turned into real relationships and real clients.

My goal has never been to just be a freelance designer.

I’m building a creative agency that:
• has supported 48 customers, of all shapes and sizes, to date
• actively supports local and small businesses, and prioritises female-owned businesses wherever possible
• collaborates with brilliant, local creatives – from illustrators, web developers, marketers, copywriters, videographers and photographers
• hosts workshops and work experience for creative and SEND students
• supports charities – something that really matters to me. After being made redundant I had to cancel my monthly donations, but in 2025 I was proud to sponsor and fundraise for two charities… and I don’t plan on stopping 🙏🏻

My business is focussed on growth, community and purpose.

Finding out I’d been shortlisted for two categories genuinely meant a lot — especially alongside such an inspiring and high-calibre group of individuals and businesses.

Thank you to every client, collaborator, partner and member of my wider network who has supported me so far.

I’ll keep you posted on how I get on at the awards ✨💃🏼

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Hayriye Mazzot...
09/02/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Hayriye Mazzotta from SmartPA.

Hayriye will be sharing insight into how proactive, reliable business support helps directors and business owners reclaim time, reduce pressure and focus on growth. From diary and inbox management to operational support, SmartPA helps businesses run more smoothly behind the scenes.

Alongside running SmartPA, Hayriye also plays a key leadership role within our chapter as the Vice President of BNI Read, supporting the structure, standards and member experience that help the group perform at a high level week after week.

Hayriye is looking to connect with:
• Business owners and directors
• Consultants and professional service providers
• Growing SMEs needing flexible admin support
• Anyone feeling stretched and short on time

BNI meetings are structured, focused and designed to build strong relationships that lead to trusted, high-quality referrals.

If you are serious about building visibility, strengthening your network and growing through recommendation, this is a great opportunity to see BNI in action.

📅 Wednesday
⏰ 6.30am – 8.30am
📍 Village Hotel Swindon
👉 Register to attend

Hayriye Mazzotta BA (Hons) Assoc CIPD

♦️ National Networking Week at BNI Read ♦️ What a brilliant session as we celebrated National Networking Week together.W...
04/02/2026

♦️ National Networking Week at BNI Read ♦️

What a brilliant session as we celebrated National Networking Week together.

We welcomed 4 new and 4 return visitors into the room, bringing great energy, fresh conversations and plenty of new connections. A huge congratulations to our visitor Bruno, estate agent at Bricks by Bruno, who won our £50 Amazon gift voucher in the prize draw.

The meeting showcased exactly what makes BNI work so well.

✔️ Fast-paced speed 1:1s
✔️ Clear and focused 60-second member and visitor rounds
✔️ Real opportunities to understand who we can help and how

We also heard an inspiring talk from Sheldon Thellis, who reminded us just how powerful referral networking can be when you follow the proven BNI referral framework consistently and with intent.

A great reminder that strong relationships, clarity and trust are what turn conversations into confident referrals.

Thanks to everyone who visited and to all our members for making it such a strong session. 👏

♦️ Traditions and Innovations ♦️BNI is built on a framework of proven traditions.♦️ The structure of the meeting.♦️ The ...
03/02/2026

♦️ Traditions and Innovations ♦️

BNI is built on a framework of proven traditions.

♦️ The structure of the meeting.
♦️ The weekly commitment.
♦️ The referral process that keeps businesses accountable and focused.

These traditions create consistency, clarity and trust. They ensure that every member knows what to expect and how to contribute effectively. From an official BNI perspective, this structure is what allows relationships and referrals to develop in a meaningful and sustainable way.

But BNI also recognises that business does not stand still.

Traditions and Innovations is about respecting what works while remaining open to improvement. Members are encouraged to adapt, refine and evolve how they present their businesses, use technology and respond to changing markets, all within the strength of the BNI system.

Innovation is not about abandoning the framework.

It is about strengthening it.

By combining established systems with fresh thinking, BNI enables its members to remain relevant, competitive and forward-focused. This balance ensures that the network continues to support real business growth, both now and in the future.

Strong foundations.
Progressive mindset.

That is the power of Traditions and Innovations.

♦️ Visitors Welcome♦️We’re looking forward to welcoming a number of visitors to BNI Read this Wednesday 4 February as pa...
02/02/2026

♦️ Visitors Welcome♦️

We’re looking forward to welcoming a number of visitors to BNI Read this Wednesday 4 February as part of International Networking Week.

If you’re joining us, you can expect a friendly, structured meeting with professional local businesses who actively support one another through trusted referrals and long-term relationships.

As part of your visit, visitors may receive one of our BNI Read Golden Tickets 🎟️

These are handed out by members and will enter you into our prize draw, with the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher 🤩

Of course, there’s also a cooked breakfast, plenty of conversation and the opportunity to make meaningful business connections in the room.

If you’re visiting us for the first time and have any questions on the morning, our members and leadership team will be on hand to help.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming you.
🗓️ Wednesday 4 February
⏰ 6.45–8.30am
📍 Village Hotel, Swindon
💷 £15 visitor fee (includes breakfast)

Could you be the lucky recipient of one of our BNI Read Golden Tickets? 🎟️They don’t come with a chocolate bar… but they...
31/01/2026

Could you be the lucky recipient of one of our BNI Read Golden Tickets? 🎟️

They don’t come with a chocolate bar… but they do come with a cooked breakfast, 20+ new business connections and the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher 🤩

Next week is International Networking Week, and BNI Read is hosting a Visitor Day next Wednesday.

You’ll be welcomed by a room of professional, trusted local businesses who have passed £1.2m+ in referrals in the last 12 months. Something we’re incredibly proud of as a chapter.

BNI Read is built on consistency, trust and collaboration. We’re all here to support each other’s growth, share meaningful referrals and build long-term business relationships.

If you’re a business owner, this is a great room to be in.

We’re currently keen to meet businesses such as:
• Architect
• Marketer
• Social Media Marketer
• Videographer
• Printer
• SEO Specialist
• Solicitor
• Event Organiser
• Osteopath
• Surveyor
• Recruiter
• Health & Safety
• Painter & Decorator
• Plumber
• And many more…

If networking is something you’ve been considering, or you know someone who would benefit from strong local referrals, drop us a message and we’ll send an invite.

🗓️ Wednesday 4 February
⏰ 6.30–8.30am
📍 Village Hotel, Swindon, SN5 7DW
💷 £15 visitor fee (includes breakfast)

Once booked on, visitors will receive a Golden Ticket from one of our members, automatically entering them into the prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher 🤩

We’d love to welcome you along.

♦️ What a meeting ♦️Today at BNI Read we heard from an insightful presentation by JMW Carpentry & Builders, with James W...
28/01/2026

♦️ What a meeting ♦️

Today at BNI Read we heard from an insightful presentation by JMW Carpentry & Builders, with James Woodhams giving the room a great rundown of his business, his team and the kind of referrals that really help them grow.

James explained how his core team of skilled carpenters and builders, including senior carpenters like Archie and Luke and up-and-coming talent such as apprentice Ben, work together to deliver exceptional results on every project. From detailed joinery and oak flooring to full build programmes, they bring craftsmanship and professionalism to every stage.

He also shared some of the amazing projects they’re currently working on across Swindon, the Cotswolds and West Berkshire, from bespoke house extensions and barn conversions to bespoke renovations and new build homes. The team balance traditional carpentry techniques with modern project management, keeping clients fully informed through every phase.

As always, the meeting followed the proven BNI structure, giving each member the chance to introduce their business, explain how they help their clients and be specific about what they’re looking for. That clarity builds trust and turns conversations into meaningful referrals.

It was another strong session, plenty of focus in the room and a great example of what structured referral networking can do when business owners show up, support each other and work together with intent.

If you are curious about how structured referral networking works and want to see it in action, come along and experience a BNI meeting for yourself.

♦️ Lifelong Learning ♦️At the heart of BNI is the belief that growth comes from a commitment to continual improvement.Li...
27/01/2026

♦️ Lifelong Learning ♦️

At the heart of BNI is the belief that growth comes from a commitment to continual improvement.

Lifelong Learning in BNI is about staying curious, open minded and willing to evolve. It means sharpening your skills, deepening your business knowledge and learning from the experiences of others in the room. No matter how long you have been in business, there is always more to learn.

From an official BNI perspective, Lifelong Learning underpins professional credibility. Through structured education, weekly presentations and shared insight, members become clearer in how they communicate their value and more confident in how they support others. Better understanding leads to better referrals and stronger outcomes for everyone.

But Lifelong Learning goes beyond business.

It is about mindset. Being willing to listen, reflect and adapt. Accepting that growth often comes from challenge and that improvement is a continuous journey, not a destination. When people commit to learning, they raise the standard not just for themselves, but for the whole group.

When embraced consistently, Lifelong Learning creates stronger professionals, more resilient businesses and a culture of progress that benefits the entire network, week after week.

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is James Woodhams...
26/01/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is James Woodhams from JMW Carpentry & Builders.

James will be sharing insight into the importance of high-quality carpentry and building work, and how strong collaboration between trusted trades helps deliver successful residential and commercial projects.

James is looking to connect with:
• Local Architects
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Trades and contractors

BNI meetings are structured, focused and designed to help members build meaningful relationships that lead to consistent, high-quality referrals.

If you are serious about winning better work, strengthening your professional network and growing through recommendation, this is a great opportunity to see BNI in action.

📅 Wednesday 28 January
⏰ 6.30am – 8.30am
📍 Village Hotel Swindon
👉 Register to attend

JMW Carpentry & Builders

Address

Shaw Ridge Leisure Park
Swindon
SN57DW

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