A History of Business Clubs North East
Business Clubs North East Ltd (BCNE) is a non-profit making organisation that has been operating since 1992 becoming limited in 2002. It is an umbrella organisation working to unite and bring into the network, individual business clubs and business forums currently existing in the north east of England.
Business Clubs are unique in their set up as they have all been established and are all run on a non-profit making, voluntary basis, by people who are either in business or who have previously been in business.
Of the many and varied business support organisations, Business Clubs can fairly claim to be the only ‘bottom up’ groups, organised by business people for business people. Although membership is not size governed, the majority of members come from the micro and small business sector, a group acknowledged to be the most difficult to influence and the most reluctant to seek help and advice from agencies.
The strength of the business clubs lies in the commitment and willingness of members to use first hand experiences of running their own businesses to support one another. Meetings offer members a regular point of contact and also serve as a vehicle for the dissemination of information, personal and business development and training and a signpost to help and assistance.
The network of business clubs is in a unique position to utilise the expertise and trust between members to address these issues and influence take up and participation.
Currently there are 8 independent, autonomous business clubs involved in the network, representing over 800 small businesses.
- Darlington & District Business Club
- Derwentside Business Network
- Durham Business Club
- China Business Association
- South Tyneside Business Club
- Tees Valley Business Club
- Hetton & Houghton Business Club
- Women in Lifelong Learning