Since joining the Business Hive in 2015 my business has gone from strength to strength and I now couldn’t imagine not being a member! Having gained my first client whilst still at college, I felt lost once I was officially self-employed full time but thanks to invaluable advice from various members of the team, especially Sam, I started to find some direction and started to hot desk after some thought. The hot desking facilities truly have transformed not only the way I work but have also improved my work-life balance; not forgetting the clients I have gained from being around so many other businesses. Importantly, none of the advice I have received has come without more support that I could ask for. On more than one occasion the staff at the Business Hive have highlighted opportunities to me, given me advice which I didn’t realise I needed, and introduced me to helpful contacts. Additionally Carrie and Emma, on the front desk, are two of the nicest people you could wish to greet you and always go the extra mile to help anyone. Together the team create a friendly, professional and clean environment that can’t be faulted. I owe a lot to the team at Business Hive and e-factor, as they have helped Lyke Ltd. reach the point that it is at today and helped me develop as a person. Organisations like e-factor are refreshing because they provide a sense of community and real encouragement. My best advice would be to organise a meeting with Sam or one of the business advisors (even if you’re not sure what you’d like to gain from it). I would highly recommend membership to virtually anyone in business, for me it’s worth every penny and more! I haven’t even mentioned all of the fantastically organised events, workshops and seminars or any of the other benefits to membership that add even more value to something that is already quite unique.
ANDY GREEN - LYKE LTD
Having been involved with e-factor since it launched, and worked with most of their staff at some point, I was intrigued when the Business Hive was launched. Two things were important to me when I considered joining: firstly that it really would bring likeminded business people together in the spirit of sharing ideas and opportunities; and that secondly it would involve no hideous forced speeches and mandatory attendance. I can genuinely say I have not been disappointed. The Business Hive not only offers a first class opportunity to network in an informal and conducive setting once a month but it has also put on invaluable training and additional events such as Biztips and Business Hive Live. My only complaint so far has been that in over three years of being a member I am yet to win a bouquet of Kate Lister’s flowers in the monthly business card raffle.
STEVE RYDER - CPO
I was originally introduced to the Business Hive by a trusted contact of mine who asked me to meet him at the Dudley Street offices for a coffee. Having never heard of it before I went along and was immediately impressed by the set up for hot-desking, the facilities and the professionalism. Not long after, we became a member ourselves and now utilise the site on a regular basis. As a company that work nationally, we have a number of offices across the UK but as we have a strong client base in the North & North East Lincolnshire area, it is often the case that you need to meet with clients and contacts or you require a base in between meetings. The Business Hive has proved to be a brilliant facility that is excellent value for money. Also, we have utilised many of the events that the team work hard to put on for the members including the ever popular ‘First Tuesday’ networking, ‘Biz Tips’ lunch and ‘Biz Hive Next Gen’. We have also been a regular exhibitor at the very successful ‘Business Hive Live’ event which takes place at Grimsby Auditorium each year. Through our association with the Business Hive, we have not only secured new clients, but we have been able to help other members and build up a very strong trusted network locally of contacts who I work with. I cannot recommend the Business Hive enough.
BARRY NICOL - STALLARD KANE ASSOCIATES LTD
I joined as a Patron Member of the Business Hive Club in May 2017 in my capacity as Broking Manager at Henderson Insurance Brokers. I, like many others, used to find networking a rather daunting prospect however meeting with the Business Hive and its members has been enjoyable from the offset. Sam, Jo, Emma & Carrie have been helpful and welcoming on every occasion and are no doubt instrumental in achieving an average of 70 members and guests at each of the First Tuesday gatherings. It quite often takes time to build up trust, and the business that comes with it, within a network group but thanks to the Hive’s pro-active approach and additional support I have already seen the benefit. In turn I have applied the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from the Hive in other areas of my job and the improvements in my own professional development are clear to see. Someone once asked me whether my existing clients and connections can see me through to the end of my career. I imagine many of us, including myself, can’t truthfully answer yes to this and I think the Business Hive Club is the perfect place to start widening your network.
JOE FRANCIS - HENDERSON INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED
I joined the Business Hive in 2015. Quite clearly, for SME's in Northern Lincolnshire, the Hive is the 'business place' to be. The support offered to businesses by the Hive is unrivalled. The facilities, the staff and the vision of the Hive are a small part of their very top class customer service. Every single member of staff is superb, and are always on hand to ensure your experience there is the best it can be. From hot-desking, to delivering seminars, to just meeting people there for a tea/coffee, the Hive always delivers. The Hive is modern, very clean and has all the facilities required by today's businesses. The decision to join was easy. Add in the monthly First Tuesday networking events, and the annual Hive-sponsored Expo, it makes the Hive the place to be for all SME's in North East Lincs. If you want the best chance for your business to flourish, look no further.
JOHN MCHALE - ACTION COACH
