Tune in to the popular Colin Slade show on Exeter 107.3 fm – TOMORROW (13th May 2009) @ 10.15 am to hear all about the Network Central 09 and how things are going with it.

Not to be missed - I will be in a live interview on Exeter’s premier radio station, Exeter FM talking to Colin Slade about Network Central 09,  which takles place this Friday at Junction 24, Bridgwater where over 1000 businesses will be attending.

www.exeter.fm

www.allnetworking.co.uk

Comment (0)

This year's Network Central is gathering momentum with just 3 days to go to the big day.

TBX1 has organised 13 networking groups to come on board to create a mega networking day. We have nearly 1000 businesses registered to attend the day so far and we expect that number to grow as the day gets closer.

The charity for the day is Headway Somerset. There will be a charity bucket on the day and On a Level catering will be giving 10% of their takings to Headway. For more information on Headway Somerset click here  On the night of 15th Headway Somerset will have a Mad Hatters Charity evening at Someset County Cricket club. For more information please visit the Headyway Somerset website here.

On the day the organisers of Network Central 09 will be wearing hats to promote the Headway Somerset.

There will be 138 businesses at the event with pop-up pitches and over 400 businesses taking part in Speed Networking sessions that will run throughout the day.

The day will be opened by Katie Hopkins off the  BBC's Apprentice show at 10:15, Katie is now busy promoting this event to many media channels including Radio and Television.

Dave Barr of TBX1 will be on Exeter FM on Wednesday 13th May at 10:15 doing a live interview with Colin Slade about the event as well.

Business Link will be running a Business Clinic throughout the day. This is your opportunity to get a 10 minute 1 to 1 with a Business Link representative to help asnwer any business questions, help or suppport you may need.

On the day there will be 6 seminars which are also free to attend.

10:30 - 11:00 Brad Burton, 4Networking Backroom to Boardroom
11:15 - 11:45 Bob Nicoll, Remember the Ice!  How a small change in words can have a large impact on sales
12:00 - 12:30 Paul Clegg, BNI - There is much more to referrals than networking
13: 30 - 14:00 Katie Hopkins, Katie Hopkins Ltd, Bright ideas for business
14:15 - 14:45 Donna Nunn, Netspeed Learning, Get your net-working!
15:00 - 15:30 Nigel Wilkinson, WNW Design, Ten Top Tips to make sure your website features highly on the search engines

Remember this is a FREE event and if you have not registered to attend yet, you really must by visiting: www.allnetworking.co.uk .

On the Network Central website you can see the list of all the businesses attending and those that are taking pop-up pitches.

Comment (0)

Come and network with TBX1 and Business Scene at Devon and Exeter Connections
Thursday 7th May from 5.30pm - Exeter

Devon and Exeter Connections will be on 7th May from 5.30pm at the Fresha Cafe in Sowton, Exeter and TBX1 have teamed up with Business Scene to offer you a night of open networking.

This is a FREE event!

Meeting includes
• 3 great speakers
• Raffle and prize draw proceeds to support Dream - a Way http://www.dream-a-way.co.uk/
• Over 100 businesses expected
• A fabulous networking opportunity
• Meet local networking organisations including TBX1
• 5.30pm to 9pm
• Food and drinks will be supplied by Fresha.

Our Guest Speakers will be
• David Thomas of Bluegrass Computer Services - 'Social Media: Can it help your business?'
• Martin Davies of NRG Networks - 'Effective Short Pitches at Networking Events'
• Colin Winstanley of SuperVid -  'How a Youtube Video can boost your Business'
There will be a prize draw and other opportunities to support Dream - a - Way throughout the evening.

TBX1 will have a stand there and we will be pleased to say hello to you on the night.

There will be a prize draw and other opportunities to support Dream - a - Way throughout the evening.
Prizes include -

• An overnight stay for 2 with breakfast worth £290 from Bovey Castle
• A video profile worth approx £200 from Colin Winstanley
• A bouquet of flowers from Poppies
• Two places at a Business Network SW lunch
• Two places at an NRG Networks lunch event
• Selection of business books from Ecademy Press
• Lunch for 4 at Fresha
• TBX1 Networker membership, worth £150 + VAT.

The following Networks will have a stand at the event. We thank them for their valued support -

• Business Network SW
• Business Support Network (BSN)
• NRG Networks
• Best of Exeter
• 4Networking
• BNI
• TBX1

The event is now free to attend - simply go to the events page and book now!

Full details are HERE.

We will also be offering discounts on the cost of attending the event as a standholder. Stands at the event will cost £150.
TBX1 members get a further 10% off the price making a stand just £135.

Connections events represent good value for money.
Make sure it is your business that is showcased at the event and book now.
Simply email me on julia.linehan@business-scene.com or call me on 07958 374867.

Other Networks have confirmed that they will be taking a stand at the event, so this is a good opportunity to see what options there are for networking in Exeter and the surrounding area.

Come and join us at the Fresha Cafe, meet the business networks and have an evening of productive networking. Use the list of attendees on the events page to make arrangements to meet specific people on the night or just take it as it comes.

At our previous event in February, new contacts were made and some turned into friendships and into business.

Can you afford to miss this great event?
We think you can't and we look forward to meeting you there.
Book your free delegate place HERE

Comment (0)

With pics – Businesses leaders learn about pro-active marketing at a free evening hosted by Fresha Café
From left to right: James Moffat, Organic Development, Julie Piper, Springboard Marketing, Dave Barr, TBX1, Andy McCreadie, Sandler Training, Paul Banks, Fresha Café, Katina Read, Splash Publicity

How to promote your business for free – that’s what more than 100 heads of businesses from across Devon crowded into Exeter’s Fresha Café to hear.

The marketing, PR and networking event was based on pro-active marketing and PR and was the first evening networking event organised by TBX1 Ltd based on Marsh Barton, Exeter and sponsored by Paul Banks of the Sowton based café.

Dave Barr, MD of TBX1 explained the thinking behind the evening: “We have around 500 members across the South West to whom we provide various services. Many have approached us recently asking for advice on marketing and PR and so we decided to hold a special free evening dedicated to the subject.”

Four marketing experts were invited to talk about different aspects of the subject: James Moffat from Organic Development on top internet tips, Julie Piper of Springboard Marketing on top secret marketing, Katina Read from Splash Publicity on creating good PR and Andy McCreadie of Sandler Training, on the importance of prospecting for business.

Dave added: “We had a huge response with over 100 people turning up. Everyone who attended was very appreciative of the information and advice on offer. It was an enormously successful event and one which we will definitely be running again. In the current economic climate, we need to give businesses every possible support.”
And he said much networking had also been carried out throughout the evening which also showcased TBX1’s Preferred Partners.

Paul said: “Fresha is used regularly by businesses for meetings and as such we were delighted to host such an important evening for businesses throughout the area. The evening was very successful with some of those who had attended staying on after the event had finished to continue networking.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

TBX1 Ltd is headed by Dave Barr and have bases Exeter, Plymouth, Truro and Bridgwater.

TBX1 has more than 500 business members from across the South West who regularly attend network meetings in Bridgwater, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. TBX1 has recently opened a new office on the Marsh Barton Estate in Exeter.

For further information on TBX Ltd, please contact 0845 307 1954 or email ask@tbx1.co.uk

For further press enquiries, please contact Katina Read at Splash Publicity on 01803 858525 or 07811 774620 or email katina@splashpublicity.co.uk

Comment (0)

Network Central is back as Network Central 09

The largest Networking event in the South West is back on 16th May 2009 at Junction 24, Somerset. We are expecting 1000 pre-registrations this year. TBX1 has attracted 15 other networking organisations to get involved and push and promote the event,  it promises to be bigger and better than 2008.

For more information on Network Central 09 please the new website: www.allnetworking.co.uk

Comment (0)

The Sidmouth Florist has joined TBX1 as a Preferred Partner to provide TBX1 members with discounted floral displays for offices and homes.

The perception of your business by new and existing customers is crucial to every sale. Your customers will make subconcious decisions about every aspect of who you are within seconds of walking in to your premises. After investing in your image it has been proved by many researchers that the finishing touches make most of the important perception decisions leading to a customer purchase.

Careful planning and placement of fresh flowers has a powerful and proven impact on perception. It will also improve the morale of your staff.

The Sidmouth Florist will design a powerful statement for your business and gain the competitive advantage today !

 

"It is brilliant to have The Sidmouth Florist on board with TBX1 as a Preferred Partner the displays that they have come up with in the TBX1 offices have certainly impressed our new members and current members and brings a lovely fresh aroma to the office." explained Dave Barr of TBX1 Ltd.

View The Sidmouth Florist's profile here

Comment (0)

Did you know that you can send a trackable email to any TBX1 business sector for just £99 + VAT?

TBX1 is pleased to annouce that as a business you can now target your email marketing to a specific sector.

To find out more or to send an eShot please contact Dave Barr, dave@tbx1.com or call 0845 307 1954.

Comment (0)

TBX1 is running it's first evening event, Pro-Active Marketing and PR on the 26th March 2009 at the Fresha Cafe, Sowton, Exeter and it is FREE to attend.

Update! Over 100 businesses attending - see some of them below

The idea behind the evening is that TBX1 is bringing 4 speakers from the 4 businesses to talk to you about how you can be more effective with your Marketing and PR and giving you free tips!

This event is FREE! - There will be a light buffet provided by Fresha. Register for this event here

6:00 Pro-Active Marketing and PR Evening Opens
6:00 Open Networking
6:30 First 10 min Presentation - James Moffat, Organic Development, 10 top internet marketing tips for you to use
6:45 Second 10 min Presentation - Julie Piper, Springbroad Marketing, Top Secret Marketing for your business
7:00 Third 10 min Presentation - Katina Read, Splash Publicity, How can you create good PR for your business?
7:15 Fourth 10 min Presentation - Andy McCreadie, Sandler Training, 'Only businesses that prospect heavily during challenging economic times will survive and prosper financially'
7:30 Prize Draw
7:30 Open Networking
8:00 Pro-Active Marketing and PR Evening closes

Who is the event for?

Anyone in business who is looking to drive more sales and leads to their business. There will be plenty of networking opportunities with over 60 businesses attending so far. We expect this number to grow to 100.

We will also be showcasing TBX1's Preferred Partners. These are businesses that are offering their products and services to the TBX1 Community at a member discounts, they are looking to save you money!!!

Also present at the event will be Paul Banks of Fresha who will welcome you all. Register for this event here

Some of the Businesses Attending:

 207 Design  
 2day Microportals  
 365 Promotions Ltd  
 Ashfords Solictors  
 Axis First  
 Beardsley Theobalds  
 Beck and Call SW  
 Big Future Marketing
 Bubblegum  
  Business Network SW  
 Convallis Software Ltd  
 Creative Talent  
 Devon Contract Waste  
 DNA Advertising  
 ELF Charity  
 Ellis Whittham  
 Enterprise Assist  
 Essential PA  
 Euler Hermes  
 Exe Valley Dataset  
 Exeter Business School  
 Flagship Consulting  
 Fresha  
 Gerranium  
 Hartnell Chanot Solicitors
 Imagetek  
 JB Photography  
 Jury's Inn  
 Marsh Barton Security Services  
 Michelmores  
 MMAP Design  
 The National Pages  
 Nexus  
 NFU Mutual Insurance  
 No Frills Recruitment  
 Northams  Accountants
 NRG  Networks
 Organic Development  
 Purple  
 Sidmouth Florist  
 Smart Comms 4 Business  
 South West Watercoolers  
 Splash Publicity  
 Springboard  
 Sprint Print  
 Stones  Solicitors
 Supertramp  
 Supervid  
 Switch Systems  
 TBX1  
 TelePA  
 Thistle  
 Total Safety  
 Toucan  
  Utility Warehouse  
 Ways2Win Ltd  
 West Web Technology  
 WPA  
 WPS  
 WSI Marketing

If you would like to come to along to this event and or have a stand, please contact Dave Barr on dave@tbx1.com.

Comment (0)

NEWTON ABBOT RFC presents a night with WARREN GATLAND

The Devon All Whites invite you to spend an evening in the company of one of the most talented and inspirational coaches working in rugby today.

Warren Gatland was born in Hamilton, New Zealand and won his first cap for the All Blacks in 1988. He played over 140 games for his provincial side Waikato ending his playing career in 1995.

Gatland then got into coaching. After a short spell in Scotland he took up a position as player/coach at Galwegians RFC. From there he went on to serve as director of rugby at Connacht where he achieved enormous success with limited resources.

Gatland was appointed coach of Ireland in February 1998 and enjoyed a famous win over the French in Paris in March 2000. He then coached the London Wasps to unprecedented success. Gatland then spent time back in New Zealand in 2005 to coach Waikato in the National Provincial Championship.

The opportunity to return to the British Isles arose in late 2007. The WRU announced Gatland as the new Welsh National Coach and he immediately got down to work, incredibly winning the 2008 Six Nations Championship at his first attempt. Wales have continued their rise to prominence under his expert stewardship.

In October 2008 the British Lions tour committee announced Warren Gatland had been appointed forwards coach for the 2009 Lions to South Africa.

Sportsman’s Evening
Thursday 30 April 2009 The Marquee, Rackerhayes, 7pm for 7.30pm

Following last year’s sell out event you are cordially invited to Newton Abbot’s premier Sportsman’s Evening this year in the company of the legendary Warren Gatland.

You will enjoy a full evening of entertainment including a five-course meal, speaker, comedian, horse racing and an auction of quality memorabilia, providing your organisation with a valuable opportunity to entertain clients or employees and to network within your local business community.

We have managed to keep prices for tables at last year’s extremely competitive rates as follows:
£420 table of 12
£350 table of 10

Part tables are available at £40 per head. Wine and beer at club prices. Numbers are restricted so please respond by Thursday 26 March to Tina Calvert as detailed below to avoid disappointment.

Tel: 01626 208802
Email: tinac@peplows.co.uk
Mail: Peplows, Moorgate House, King Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2LG

Don’t miss out on probably the most enjoyable way to promote your organisation to other local businesses – book your table today.

St Austell Brewery are now a major supporter of South West Rugby throughout their Tribute brand. Tribute is now the "Official Beer of South West Rugby", being the sponsor of 14 grass roots rugby union leagues, encompassing 157 teams across the region. Tribute was also voted the South West's Favourite beer at the Cask Marque and Daily Telegraph Best of British Beer Awards.

Comment (0)

Marketers are well known for working within a budget to develop their marketing campaigns. Some budgets are big and some budgets are small. But the ability to get a little for a lot is going to get even trickier as budgets wane due to the current economic recession.

What tactics should you focus on during this time? The ones that give you the most “bang for your buck.”  And the best bang is anything online.

1. Update your website often during this time to reflect accomplishments, client acquisitions, major awards, investor announcements or any type of news that is important for your organisation to share.  You already have a website, be sure to use it to convey information. The first place users go to get information on a company is their website. Rule 1: Keep it up to date. All TBX1 business Profiles are google friendly, have you updated your profile: here

2. Avoid the costs of printing and distribution and use email marketing instead to deliver important messages to clients and prospects.  It’s cheap and very often free.  With the ability to track open rates, bounce backs, click-throughs  and forwards, you’ll wonder why you ever used print before. – See how tbx1 can help you broadcast your message here

3. Develop RSS feed capability to allow users to subscribe to updates on your site. That way, as you make changes to your site (Rule #1) subscribers get updated automatically. You’ve just completed two tasks with this one initiative. Your boss will be proud! - Check out the TBX1 eNews RSS here

4. Use podcasts to convey important corporate information to stakeholders with a personal touch. Instead of organizing a press conference or meeting where people have to commute and travel to attend, get out your digital video camera and prepare an online presentation that can be easily emailed, put online and downloaded to portable devices

5. Increase your reach by integrating viral marketing features on your website, e-newsletters and e-communications to allow others to pass along your message. Word of mouth is terribly powerful and the online version has a global reach.  By adding an e-newsletter sign up function on your site, and deploying an e-newsletter with a viral marketing component (send to a friend), you have just completed 3 tasks with one initiative. Multi-tasking at its best! - See the TBX1 eNews RSS here or our members eShots here

6. Update your keywords and metadata to reflect relevant information and search terms to increase your SEO (search engine optimisation). Ensure your content and keywords match, create alt tags on all images and ensure your keywords are ones that users actually employ to search your company listing. All free. - All TBX1 business Profiles are google friendly, have you updated your profile: here

Other free tools to help you in your SEO efforts: http://www.google.com/insights/search/#, http://www.google.com/trends, http://www.google.com/trends/hottrends

8. Use free online tools such as Google Analytics to monitor your web traffic and keyword searches which affect your efforts in item #6 above.  Monitor and adjust monthly or bi-monthly to optimize listings

9. Deploy a blog as a way of communicating with stakeholders and increasing your SEO. Contribute to both your blog, and others, to increase back links. Create a Twitter account for all the same reasons. Then use a free tool such as Radian 6 offers to monitor and manage all your online social marketing activities

10 . Be active on relevant online sites and communities such as LinkedIn by answering questions and using connections for networking, business development and marketing purposes  
 
11. Use Ad Sense to specify the criteria you specify keywords that trigger ads and don't pay for ads seen but not responded to
 
12. Give free samples to generate interest in your product (if applicable). Create an online contest, or form, include viral marketing features and capture information about recipients for later communication opportunities. Ask people to post comments on your blog about the sample and now you've got online buzz.

For more information on TBX1 can help your business contact: 0845 307 1954

Comment (0)