Read BNI

30/03/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is stewart Bellinger from Bellinger Financial Planning.

Stewart specialises in helping individuals make sense of their financial future, particularly those approaching retirement who have built up multiple pensions across different employers.

His focus is on simplifying, consolidating and creating clear, structured plans that give clients confidence in the years ahead.

In this week’s presentation, Stewart will be sharing insight into how people can take control of their pensions, avoid common pitfalls and ensure their finances are working effectively for their retirement goals.

With so many people unsure of what they have or where it is, this is an area where the right advice can make a significant difference.

Stewart also works with investors and entrepreneurs with portfolios of £3M+, supporting them with strategic financial planning and estate structuring to protect and grow their wealth over the long term.

Stewart is looking to connect with:
• Will Writers
• Solicitors
• Estate Agents
• Business Coaches
• Health Insurance Advisors
• Bookkeepers

BNI meetings are structured, focused and designed to build strong relationships that lead to real business opportunities.

If you’d like to meet Stewart and over 30 other local business professionals, come along as a visitor this Wednesday.

📅 Wednesday morning
📍 Village Hotel, West Swindon
⏰ 6:30am – 8:30am

Visitors always welcome.

27/03/2026

♦️ A great evening out with the BNI crew last night 🍕🍻

We always say that BNI is about more than just the weekly meetings. Taking time to get to know each other outside the room is where real relationships are built, and last night was a perfect reminder of that.

Not everyone could make it this time, but those who did had a brilliant evening. The food at Fratello’s was spot on, and we kicked things off with a few drinks at Rudi’s.

It was also a slightly emotional one as we said farewell to a true BNI legend, Andrew Platts, of Jireh Solutions.

With nearly 23 years of BNI behind him across different chapters in the Cotswolds and Swindon, Andy has been an incredible member, a great supporter of others, and a genuinely top bloke.

You will be missed, mate. Wishing you all the very best for what’s next 👊

Same again soon…

25/03/2026

♦️ This Week at BNI Read (West Swindon) ♦️

Another strong and focused meeting this week, built around one of BNI’s core values… Givers Gain®.

Peter Jones from The HR Dept shared why this is his favourite value, bringing it to life with real examples. By consistently giving referrals into the chapter, Peter has seen that generosity come back around, resulting in £000s of pounds in invoiced work. A simple reminder that what you put into the room genuinely comes back.

We also heard from our 10-minute Featured Speaker, Emma Wheeler from Utilities Warehouse.

Emma supports families across the local area by helping them reduce their household bills, often saving hundreds of pounds each year. With the rising cost of living across the UK, those savings can make a real difference, whether that is easing monthly pressure or helping families afford things like a well-earned holiday.

She also introduced the Utilities Warehouse cashback card, which allows customers to earn cashback when spending with selected retail partners, helping to reduce overall monthly costs.

We were also joined by Sheldon Thelis, Chapter Director Consultant, who spent time with the room and set a series of challenges focused on improving member experience and driving even stronger results across the chapter.

Alongside this, we welcomed some great visitors, heard a room full of strong 60-second presentations and continued building the relationships that drive real business.

And to round off the week, we are looking forward to a more relaxed evening together, catching up over pizza and a pint.

If you are serious about growing your business through referrals and relationships, come and see what BNI Read is all about.

📅 Every Wednesday
⏰ 06:30 – 08:30
📍 Village Hotel, Swindon

25/03/2026

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23/03/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Emma Wheeler from Utilities Warehouse.

Emma helps households and businesses simplify their utilities by bringing essential services like energy, broadband and mobile into one clear, manageable package. Her approach is focused on making everyday services more efficient, cost-effective and easier to manage.

In this week’s presentation, Emma will be sharing how businesses and individuals can take greater control of their utility costs, streamline multiple suppliers into one relationship and reduce unnecessary overhead. With ongoing changes in energy pricing and service providers, having a clear, consolidated approach has never been more valuable.

Utilities Warehouse offers a practical, joined-up solution that removes complexity and gives customers better visibility and control over their monthly outgoings.

Emma is looking to connect with:
• Estate agents
• Trades professionals
• Network marketers

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

21/03/2026

♦️ This Week at BNI Read ♦️

Another strong meeting this week. The kind that reminds you why turning up every Wednesday really matters.

Nicki delivered a great education slot on CEUs and how they fit into the BNI journey.

CEU stands for Continuing Education Units. They are earned by engaging with BNI training, podcasts, webinars and learning resources. But it is not just about ticking boxes. It is about becoming better at what we do. Better networkers, better communicators and ultimately better referrers.

The more we learn, the more value we bring into the room. And when the whole chapter leans into that, the standard rises for everyone. Stronger relationships, better referrals and more business.

Ioan then shared a brilliant testimonial for Amanda at Grow Insurance, which really captured the essence of trust within BNI.

“Amanda was patient and straightforward, explaining things clearly and helping us understand what actually mattered for our situation.”

“We felt properly supported and informed, which made it easier to make the right decision.” 

That level of care is exactly why referrals work so well. You know your contacts will be looked after properly.

Peter rounded things off with an excellent 10-minute presentation on the upcoming Employment Rights changes.

He simplified what could be a complex topic, covering areas like day one rights, flexible working and employee protections. More importantly, he highlighted where businesses could be exposed if they are not prepared.

The key message was clear. Do not wait. Get ahead of it, review your processes and make sure you are ready.

This is what BNI Read is all about. Showing up, supporting each other and building businesses together.

📅 Every Wednesday
⏰ 06:30 – 08:30
📍 Village Hotel, Swindon

19/03/2026

♦️ Do you know what a BNI Referral is? ♦️

At BNI you will often hear members talk about referrals.

A referral in BNI is not just passing a name or contact detail. It is a warm introduction to someone who is expecting your call and is open to having a conversation about your services.

This is what makes BNI different from traditional networking. Referrals are built on trust, credibility and strong relationships within the chapter.

When you pass a referral, you are effectively recommending that person with confidence, knowing they will deliver a great service.

Quality referrals help members grow their businesses in a consistent and measurable way, turning conversations into real opportunities.

At BNI Read (West Swindon) we focus on building genuine relationships so that every referral passed has real value.

Interested in receiving more of the right kind of referrals for your business?

Come and visit us.
📅 Every Wednesday
⏰ 06:30 – 08:30
📍 Village Hotel, Swindon

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18/03/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Peter Jones from The HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire & East Cotswolds.

Peter supports small and medium sized businesses with practical HR advice, helping them stay compliant with employment law while building stronger, more effective teams.

In this week’s presentation, Peter will be sharing insight into key changes to the Employment Rights Act and what these updates mean for small businesses. Employment legislation continues to evolve, and understanding the implications early can help business owners avoid costly mistakes, disputes and compliance risks.

The HR Dept provides straightforward, commercially focused HR support that allows business owners to focus on running their business, knowing their people and processes are properly managed.

Peter is looking to connect with:
• Local SMEs
• Hospitality businesses
• Manufacturing organisations
• Health and safety consultants
• Commercial solicitors
• Business coaches
• Business owners

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

17/03/2026

♦️ It’s nearly time… ♦️

Our upcoming BNI Read Visitor Day is starting to take shape and if you’re in the financial, legal, property or advisory space, this is one to get in the diary.

We’re bringing together a room full of ambitious, well-connected business owners who actively pass referrals and are serious about growth.

This isn’t just another networking event.

It’s a chance to position yourself in front of people who are already doing business with your ideal clients.

We’re specifically looking to connect with:
• Conveyancers
• Surveyors
• Property developers
• Will writers
• Finance brokers
• Bookkeepers
• Estate agents
• Solicitors
• Commercial finance specialists
• Business coaches

📅 Date: Wednesday 22nd April
🎟️ Free visitor entry

More details dropping very soon, including how to secure your place.

If you’ve been thinking about growing your network in Swindon, this is your moment.

16/03/2026

♦️ Featured Speaker of the Week ♦️

This week at BNI Read (West Swindon), our 10-minute Featured Speaker is Peter Jones from The HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds.

Peter supports small and medium sized businesses with practical HR advice, helping them stay compliant with employment law while building stronger, more effective teams.

In this week’s presentation, Peter will be sharing insight into key changes to the Employment Rights Act and what these updates mean for small businesses. Employment legislation continues to evolve, and understanding the implications early can help business owners avoid costly mistakes, disputes and compliance risks.

The HR Dept provides straightforward, commercially focused HR support that allows business owners to focus on running their business, knowing their people and processes are properly managed.

Peter is looking to connect with:
• Local SMEs
• Hospitality businesses
• Manufacturing organisations
• Health and safety consultants
• Commercial solicitors
• Business coaches
• Business owners

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

13/03/2026

🌿 Curious about the connection between food and your health?

BNI Read member Radka Toms is hosting a special talk titled Food as Medicine at The Retreat at Elcot Park.

In this one-hour session, Radka will explore the hidden connection between dry eye, rosacea and gut health, and explain why personalised, data-led nutrition insights can be far more effective than generic, one-size-fits-all advice.

If you struggle with ongoing skin, eye or digestive issues, or simply want to better understand how nutrition can support your long-term wellbeing, this talk offers a fascinating introduction to a more personalised approach to health.

Expect practical insights, fresh perspectives and a chance to learn how the food you eat could be influencing your overall health more than you realise.

📅 Friday 20 March 2026
⏰ 1-hour talk
📍 The Retreat at Elcot Park

If this sounds interesting, it’s a great opportunity to learn something new and discover how small changes in nutrition can potentially have a big impact on how you feel.

13/03/2026

Looking for professional T&C's for your business? Nicki and the team at Confident Cashflow are experts at crafting terms and conditions that reflect your business and ensure that you are covered for all eventualities.

"The ones you did for us are great at preventing people being idiots!"

Possibly our favourite piece of client feedback ever!

It also sums up exactly what we think well-written Ts & Cs should do.

Not just protect you legally (though they absolutely do that), but stop the predictable problems before they start.

The client who decides halfway through they'd like the premium service for the basic price. The one who thinks payment terms are a loose suggestion. The one who remembers your initial conversation completely differently to how you do.

Good Ts & Cs give you something in writing that you both agreed to. So when one of those situations arises, and at some point it will, you're not stuck trying to recall what was said in a phone call three months ago.

We approach Ts & Cs the way a business owner needs them. That means thinking about how you actually work, what tends to go wrong in your industry, what your cash flow needs, and what you want clients to understand from the moment they agree to work with you.

The legal protection matters. The practical day-to-day protection matters just as much.

If your Ts & Cs haven't been looked at for a while, or you're not sure they're working as hard as they should be, we'd love to help.