Five-A-Side Tournament To Identify Best Networking Group

Online, May 3, 2011 (Newswire.com) - FIVE-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT TO IDENTIFY BEST NETWORKING GROUP

Members of BNI's Network North Staffordshire chapter have set up a football tournament for rival networking organisations, to help raise money for a number of local charities.

Organiser Richard Swancott hopes the five-a-side competition will become an annual event, featuring several local BNI groups and teams from other networking organisations like 4Networking and Business for Breakfast.

Teams will pay £25 to enter, with all profits donated to the charities of the winning teams.

Richard Swancott said: "There's a competitiveness between BNI groups, and different networking organisations, and we believe the healthy competition could be great for local charities.

"We believe this could help a number of local causes as most networking groups have their own chosen charities, which they support throughout the year.

"For example we help Arch North Staffordshire by giving up our time as well as donations - last year we raised more than £10000."

Alongside raising money for charity, the objective of the contest is to show the social element of networking, and challenge the perception that networking events are dull and only suit certain types of businesses.

Richard Swancott said: "There is an idea that networking events are quite stuffy, and only suit businesses like accountants and solicitors.

"That's not the case in our experience - our meetings are always light-hearted and fun, which is what you need at that time of day.

"It's not just about passing business."

BNI Network North Staffordshire meets every Wednesday morning (6.45-8.30). On average, 32 referrals - which are qualified opportunities for business - are passed at each meeting.

Further information is available at www.bni-network.co.uk/index.php.

Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035 or [email protected].

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