999th member signs up for business network

MEMBERSHIP-based organisation Business First Network is celebrating success, by announcing that after only one year in business, their 999th member has signed up.

Set up in mid 2014, the Belfast-based network, which helps SMEs across the UK in all areas, from business law, employment dispute resolution to compliance and health and safety regulations, has grown from strength to strength with its 999th member, East Belfast’s ‘I Work Out’, having just joined.

Michael Osborne, Director at Business First Network said: “I’m delighted that we have achieved 999 members in just over a year. Our aim is to to strip back the confusing legislation, help with the paperwork and give SMEs the support they need to grow and make their venture a success.

“We have numerous Development and Membership Partners throughout the UK, and our network of subject matter experts is expanding, which I believe is key to supporting the backbone of our growing economy – SMEs. We are also currently recruiting more Membership Partners throughout the UK, due to this year’s success!

“We are the only commercial membership organisation that provides small to medium businesses with a wide range of services, which includes in depth advice, assistance, support, and gives owners or directors of the company the peace of mind to get on with the day-to-day running of their business. We cover the likes of Tax Investigation, Employment Law and Auto Enrolment, which are three key areas that have the potential to exercise many business owners. We effectively allow businesses to protect, save, grow and reward.”

Kerry Cunningham, Owner at I Work Out gym explained: “We opened on the 1st of April in East Belfast and have been incredibly busy since, however we were struggling to understand the legislation governing SMEs in Northern Ireland. Business First has been fantastic as I was initially very confused by business law. With the recent introduction of the Auto Enrolment pension scheme, we needed support and I was delighted Business First had the answers!

“Since joining, we have been able to draw up contracts for the staff and understand the pension scheme much better. The support we have been given is just invaluable.”

Jason Patton of Core Physiotherapy Belfast, who also joined recently, said: “I have been a member of Business First Network since the start of the year and the support I’ve received has been fantastic. I find it useful to have the organisation and the various subject matter experts on hand if there’s something we need an answer to. The added benefits of the loyalty scheme also incentivised us to join.”

The loyalty scheme offers members access to hundreds of offers and discounts up to 50% across the country, including: hotel stays, eating out, shopping, and leisure activities, which ensures that they can reward themselves as well as their family and friends, with many members covering the cost of their yearly membership by making such incredible savings on normal everyday business costs.

“It’s important that SMEs know where to turn for assistance, we offer a great ready made solution with many services which allows the business owners and directors to get on with the main aspect of their organisation without the worry attached,” concluded Michael Osborne, Director at Business First Network.

For more information contact Business First Network on 2 or email or visit www.thebfn.co.uk.