New team at the top at Llanelli business breakfast club.

There’s a new team at the top at a popular Llanelli business breakfast club.

Two well-known businessmen, from Llanelli and Burry Port, have taken over the reins president and vice-president.

Paul Williams, of Llanelli-based Paul’s Plastering and damp proofing, is the new president and his vice-president is Gareth Isaac, of G I Carpets and Flooring in Burry Port.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to be in the big chair on the top table at BNI in Llanelli,” said Mr Williams.

“I have been a member of BNI now for many years and can give a glowing testimonial for how it really means business for independent tradesmen, craftsmen, sole traders and small businesses in Llanelli.

“We all work very hard to grow our businesses and the BNI business network provides us with very fertile soil to bring further growth into the local economy.

“It is estimated that each seat (member position) is worth £14,000 on average a year to that local business. We are a small but creative local business group and it is estimated that we earned more than £430,000 in additional revenue for members last year.

Vice-president Gareth Isaac said: “The BNI business network works on so many different levels. The network is built on providing referrals (new business opportunities) to each other. If I am laying carpets at a property, I will happily recommend an electrician, plumber, plasterer, gardener or any other business the client needs.

“The BNI Llanelli Chapter is both inclusive and exclusive. We are inclusive because we aim to develop business opportunities for each other. We are exclusive because we only allow one particular sector per seat in the club, so to speak. So, if a carpenter joins BNI, he can rest assured we will not recruit another carpenter into the network while he is a member.

“In Llanelli, there is a wonderful spirit and camaraderie in the network. We look out for each, help each other with advice and support, make the most of learning and training opportunities in the wider BNI network and there are also social events which add fun to the whole experience.”

Recently, BNI members went go-karting. Later this month, they will be climbing the Brecon Beacons to see dawn rise over Penyfan.

The Llanelli BNI Chapter has its sights set on bigger targets and is looking for new members.

Currently, the BNI in Llanelli is looking for a florist, painter and decorator, domestic and commercial cleaner and an events organiser.

The busy Thursday morning club meets at The Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli.

It’s an early 6.45am start – but these are men and women who are keen to make the most of their working days and are rewarded accordingly.

“Meeting first thing in the morning is actually very stimulating,” said Llanelli chapter (local branch) spokesman Phil Evans.

“We all have busy days and meeting first thing in the morning means that it doesn’t intrude into the rest of the working day.

“It also means that we start the day energised as there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our meetings. The meetings really have a buzz.

“It’s a place where networking can really pay dividends and it’s a place where people appreciate exchanging ideas and information. And our members also appreciate that we are a great support network. We are there for each other.”

The key to BNI membership is that no two businesses in the BNI are allowed to be in the same category, so you get a mix which can be as varied as the proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker.

In Llanelli, the membership includes a plasterer, carpenter, accountant, electrician, plumber, IT support consultant, a roofer, plumber, insurance broker, financial advisor, web designer, tiler, garden maintenance and a fencing contractor.

If you are interested in visiting, you can contact Phil Evans on 01269 591133.

BNI details: Endeavour BNI (Llanelli), Venue: Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel, Llanelli, SA15 3PJ. Meeting time: Thursday 06.45am – 09.00am.

Website – www.bni-southwales.com