Two Networking Heavyweights in Oxfordshire combine their passion
The Oxford Business Community Network (OBCN) has now been established for over 11 years, but the New Year brings some exciting changes.
An addition to the leadership team and a revised model offering much more for its members in 2021 and beyond.
From 1st January, well known and respected networker, Ben Thompson, owner of Thompson & Terry Recruitment, will be joining OBCN.
Mike Foster, Founder of OBCN in 2009 said “I am absolutely delighted that Ben has agreed to join me and help me take OBCN forward. He is very well connected and respected for his networking in Oxfordshire and I know that he is also passionate about connecting people.
I am proud of what we have achieved with OBCN and it is of course no coincidence that we are nearing our 12th anniversary, but following changes in my own business circumstances and within the local business community, I felt it was the right time to develop OBCN and extend the networking experience that we can offer our members.”
The Oxford Business Community Network is a network for everyone, well those that enjoy networking and see the value of creating, then building, trusted relationships. The name of the organisation includes ‘Community’, which underpins the focus of our organisation. We strive to create a community of like-minded businesses, whilst offering genuine networking opportunities that are valued by our members. We are committed to helping our members to establish and develop strong relationships that help them generate new business, find a supplier or collaborate in some way.
2020 has been a tough year for many businesses and the extended offering of OBCN will certainly provide the social interaction missed by so many.
Ben Thompson said “Having known Mike for almost 10 years and enjoyed being a member of the OBCN for the past 3 years, I was absolutely flattered to be asked to join Mike to help grow the already strong network.
Since 2014 I have grown my business almost solely as a result of the relationships I have built through networking, so really excited by the opportunity to give back to the local business community. Our vision is to build a group that adds value to every local business regardless of size or ‘networking experience’ with the philosophy of ‘people buy people’ at the forefront of everything we do”.
We will be sharing much more about our new offering soon, but our ‘core’ subscription based membership will offer three monthly events, including our much talked about ‘Tour Visits’ to a place of interest or local business. It will also include a member listing on our website, blog opportunities, training, social media engagement and much more including the continuation of our community projects.
We also want to provide our members with the choice of the networking to suit them, so we have ‘optional’ opportunities, including our breakfast meetings and round table experiences from a supper club to peer group forum.
Additionally, we offer showcase networking experiences each year, including the ever popular Oxfordshire Business Dinner, which will now be combined with an Awards Ceremony, and the Oxford Big Business Breakfast for Charity.
If you would like to speak to us about OBCN, then please contact Mike or Ben on 01235 797177
