BNI Vision

We are a group of local businesses who meet weekly at Hartlepool Yacht Club, come and join us! This is the most cost-effective form of advertising possible.

BNI (Business Network International) is the worlds largest and most successful business referral network. BNI Members meet weekly with the prime intention of passing each other opportunities for new business through 'word of mouth referrals'. Being a member of Business Network Int'l (BNI) is like having sales people working for you every day who market your product or services.

24/07/2026

✨️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨️

Next up in the series we have Toni Wilkinson from VH Services

1. Name, business and BNI seat?
Toni Wilkinson – VH Services – Domestic and Commercial Cleaning.

2. Describe what you do in one sentence.
I help businesses keep their premises clean, safe and professional with specialist cleaning services.

3. Who is your ideal referral? ⭐
Facilities managers, office managers, landlords, schools, healthcare providers, or any business that needs a reliable commercial cleaning partner.

4. What's the best bit of advice you've ever been given?
People buy from people they know, like and trust.

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of BNI?
The relationships—supporting local businesses, building genuine friendships, and helping each other grow.

6. Tea, coffee or something stronger? ☕🍷
Neither I am water and juice kinda girl!

7. Perfect day off — what are you doing?
Spending time with my daughters, going to a concert or event, and finishing the day with good food.

8. Early bird or night owl?
Definitely an early bird—BNI makes sure of that!

9. If you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?
Marketing and business growth, so I could help take any business to the next level.

10. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Loyal, organised, and determined.

21/07/2026

✨️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨️

Next up is Katie Storey from Katie Helen Beauty

1. Name, business and BNI seat?
Katie Gibson, Katie Helen Beauty, Beautician

2. Describe what you do in one sentence.
Make clients feel beautiful, relaxed and confident

3. Who is your ideal referral? ⭐
Anyone who needs a pamper, has skin concerns, lacks confidence in their appearance or has very sparse or uneven brows.

4. What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Just give it a go! You'll never know if you don't try

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of BNI?
The relationships, support and friendships it has given me. Also the ideas other members have given me to help me grow my business.

6. Tea, coffee or something stronger? ☕🍷
Tea in the morning, pinot grigio and soda after 5pm

7. Perfect day off — what are you doing?
A day at our caravan with my partner taking our little girl Sophie to a farm or play area, then when she's tucked up in bed, a BBQ with a few glasses of wine.

8. Early bird or night owl?
Neither, I have a 3 year old! But probably more night owl.

9. If you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?
In life - Cooking! I love cooking but haven't really got a clue what i'm doing.
Business - Lash Extensions! Would make me so much money but I just haven't got the knack

10. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Caring, Honest and Loyal

19/07/2026

✨️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨️

This week we have Denise Newton from In Studio

1. What’s your name, business name and BNI seat?
In Studio - Website Design

2. Describe what you do in just one sentence.
We provide Web development, design, hosting and support

3. Who is your ideal referral right now? Any new businesses that don’t have a website or that need brand guidelines, logo etc

4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I’m still waiting for it

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of BNI?
The friendships I have made, being able to ask other business owners for advice.

6. Tea, coffee or something stronger? ☕🍷
Old Fashioned

7. Describe your perfect day off.
Feet up reading a book, followed by a meal at The Ivy and a few cocktails.

8. Early bird or night owl? 🐦🦉
Bit of both

9. If you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?
I’d like to be able to sing

10. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Loyal, organised, caring

14/07/2026

💡 Education Slot Takeaway 💡

A great education slot from Gaz Weatherhead from Utility Warehouse at last week's BNI meeting, all about the importance of asking questions.

It's easy to jump straight into giving advice or answering a question, but without understanding the full picture, you may not be giving the best solution.

Gaz reminded us to slow down and ask plenty of questions first. The more information you gather, the better you can understand someone's needs, offer the right advice or support, and ultimately make more meaningful referrals.

Sometimes the best answer starts with asking the right questions! 👏

09/07/2026

✨️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨️

Next up we have Craig Fraser from Ignite Candles

1. What’s your name, business name and BNI seat?
I’m Craig Fraser, Director of Ignite Candles, and my BNI seat is Candle Retail.

2. Describe what you do in just one sentence.
We create handmade home fragrance products that don’t just make homes smell amazing—they spark conversations, support communities and bring a little positivity into people’s day.

3. Who is your ideal referral right now? ⭐
Businesses looking for branded candles or corporate gifts, event organisers, gift shops, florists, and anyone wanting unique workshops or memorable personalised gifts.

4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t wait until everything is perfect—start now, learn as you go, and keep improving every single day.

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of BNI?
The genuine relationships. BNI isn’t just about passing referrals; it’s about surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to help each other succeed.

6. Tea, coffee or something stronger? ☕🍷
Anything with.Sugar!… and plenty of it! Running a growing business doesn’t leave much room for slowing down.

7. Describe your perfect day off.
A walk with my dogs, Maggie and Jude, breakfast with my husband Liam, exploring somewhere new, and finishing the day with good food and absolutely no emails.

8. Early bird or night owl? 🐦🦉
Definitely an early bird; not by choice.

9. If you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?
Digital marketing and consumer psychology—understanding exactly how people connect with a brand is fascinating and would help Ignite reach even more people slash being able to sing.

10. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Driven. Compassionate. Slightly unhinged.

06/07/2026

✨️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨️

Meet the members of our chapter. First up is Graeme Stringer from Albion Electrical Ltd

1. Name, business and BNI seat?
Graeme Stringer
Albion Electrical Ltd
Electrican

2. Describe what you do in one sentence.
I find solutions to people's electrical problems throughout the week

3. Who is your ideal referral? ⭐
Bread & butter referral Landlords
Golden goose industrial unit maintains

4. What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be open and honest to your customers

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of BNI?
The great atmosphere from a great bunch of colleagues and dare I say friends

6. Tea, coffee or something stronger? ☕🍷
black Coffee followed by neat Rum

7. Perfect day off — what are you doing?
Watching my Rugby Team with a pint or two

8. Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird

9. If you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?
Speaking my mind with no political bull

10. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Total pain in arse
I know its 4 but there it is

Follow the page and keep watching for the next member...

01/07/2026

Thank you to our lovely volunteers Colin Berry from Berry’s Kitchen & Graeme Stringer from Albion Electrical Ltd for taking part in our sponsored waxathon today, as well as Katie Gibson from Katie Helen Beauty for hosting the event and causing some slightly painful but very funny leg waxing in her garden salon.

All to raise money for our fantastic charity Furbd who would appreciate any donations whether big or small. Please use the link below.

https://thehopefoundation.enthuse.com/cf/waxathon-for-furbd

30/06/2026

🚨 It's Waxathon Day Tomorrow! 🚨

Tomorrow, one of our fantastic BNI members, Katie Helen Beauty, will be putting her waxing skills to the test for a brilliant cause!

A group of very brave volunteers will be taking part in a charity Waxathon to raise money for furbd, a project from The Hope Foundation that refurbishes donated technology and provides it to people who need it most, helping to tackle digital exclusion.

A huge well done to everyone taking part (especially those sacrificing their legs! 😅) and a big thank you to Katie for donating her time and expertise to support this fantastic fundraiser.

If you'd like to support the cause, every donation makes a difference. You can donate here:

https://thehopefoundation.enthuse.com/cf/waxathon-for-furbd

Good luck to everyone involved – we'll be cheering you on! 👏💙

29/06/2026

Recently, we had Jade from Bubblicious Emporium give her feature presentation.

Jade shared the story behind Bubblicious Emporium, an independent family-run business in Hartlepool offering a fantastic range of handmade gifts, home fragrance products, bath and body treats, soaps and unique seasonal items. Everything is created with care, making it the perfect place to find a thoughtful gift or a little treat for yourself.

Alongside their beautiful products, Bubblicious Emporium regularly attends local events and markets, supporting the community and helping customers discover something a little different. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, a new home, or simply because, there's something for everyone.

Take a look at their wonderful range of products below:

https://bubbliciousemporium.com

If you'd like to meet Jade and the rest of our friendly group of local business professionals, send us a message to arrange a visit!

29/04/2026

Last week we had the amazing Craig Fraser, owner of Ignite Candles give his feature presentation.

Ignite is a small family ran business based in the Dutch Garden Centre in Hartlepool. All their candles are hand poured and all 100% pure soy using the maximum amount of fragrance. Not only that but Craig and Donna, his mother run candle making workshops, trade at many events and markets throughout the north east and offer a subscription service too!

Check out Craig’s brilliant website below and see all their weirdly amazing candles!

https://www.ignitecandles.net

If you’d like to meet Craig, drop us a message to arrange a visit!

Address

Tees And Hartlepool Yacht Club, West Harbour
Hartlepool
TS240SP

Opening Hours

6:30am - 8:30am

Website

https://bni-dt.co.uk/en-GB/index

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