BRX Bond Street

After Lewis’s collection of MJ jokes, something a bit more serious!

http://www.georgeemsden.co.uk/2009/06/smoke-and-morphos/

Posted by Jamie Denham in General | No Comments

4 THINGS YOU PROBABLY NEVER KNEW YOUR MOBILE PHONE COULD DO

These are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialled even if the keypad is locked. Try it out. but don’t press “Call”

SECOND Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone.

Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to

drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!’

THIRD Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your mobile battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# Your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.

FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 #

A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

ATM – PIN Number Reversal – Good to Know

If you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you can notify the police by entering your PIN # in reverse. For example, if your pin number is 1234, then you would put in 4321. The ATM system recognizes that your PIN number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machine. The machine will still give you the money you requested, but unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to the location. This information was recently broadcast on CTV by Crime Stoppers however it is seldom used because people just don’t know about it. Please pass this along to everyone.

This is the kind of information people don’t mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends

*** WARNING : This message originates from the Internet ***

Posted by Jamie Denham in General | No Comments

Hello Fellow BRXers,

To celebrate Man Bytes Dog year so far and the start of summer we’re throwing a party to say thank you to customers and referral partners!

You and a friend/colleague are warmly invited to join us

• 6pm-11pm on July 8^th
• Middle Temple Hall & Gardens, EC4Y
• Nearest tube: Temple
• RSVP: http://mbdsummer.eventbrite.com/

We are co-hosting the party with a few like-minded companies – the video & pictures of the Christmas bash are at http://www.cognac.co.uk/party as a taster…

The theme is 16^th century: Lords, Ladies and … Pirates! Most people will come straight from work – in suits, jeans … and a few will join in with the theme to varying degrees. So basically, feel free to come however you feel comfortable!

We really hope you can make it and we hope to hear from you soon

From all at Man Bytes Dog

PS We’re not sure what we should dress as – what do you think: Lords & Ladies – or Pirates?

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Kirsty Joly of Perfectly Tempered bespoke and artisan chocolates is looking for a purchasing or housekeeping contact in Browns. She asked members “what corporate gave you a gift recently?” They are excellent leads and a perfect referral. Kristy also does personalised chocolates for weddings.

Jamie Denham of Sliced Bread Animation is in Seattle next week. His company was one of only 12 companies selected to compete for an exciting animation competition. DreamWorks and Pixar are judging the competition which starts on 20 July for a week. The crew from Sliced Bread Animation will be using the new Hewlett Packard machines. Each competition entrant was given the first and last frame and have to create the animation in between.

Christian Ingerslev from Danesoft was doing his 10 minute presentation later so gave a quick preview. Did you know you need to update your website every 14 days or you will go down in the pecking order an Google! Danesoft has an easy-to-use website tool to keep your content current. His tip: even just updating small items using Danesoft’s content management tool means there is all-important activity on your website each week.

Caroline Hampstead, experienced freelance Copywriter, talked about the importance of visuals matching words in any print marketing campaign. She drew on her extensive Advertising experience to help a client this week with a poster campaign. The client’s visuals and words simply did not work together on the poster they had tried to create in-house. They had two strap lines that clashed and did not work with the visual – her copywriting eagle eye helped them simplify the copy to one powerful call to action, more congruent with the visual, for a more effective poster. Caroline welcomes contacts from marketing and design agencies and marketing contacts in councils.

Des Sutton of Man Bytes Dog delivers corporate grade IT systems for SMEs. They have 7 engineers across the country. Man Bites Dog realise they spend more on their engineers than their competitors because they are highly skilled.

George Metcalfe – Coach – When someone passes a mirror we all want to know what we look like. A Coach holds up the mirror to see how you look, so you can see how you look. Often we see ourselves in a self destructive way, a coach helps you see yourself as the great person you really are. More weekly words of wisdom from George the Coach!

George Emsden of IN2 Consulting, the group’s Money Doctor – followed on from George Metcalf’s theme that many people don’t want to look in the mirror when it comes to money! Doctors ask awkward, probing questions that also get people thinking about their financial situations, their pensions and their future. This week George particularly wants to speak with couples where one has pension protection and the other doesn’t. Especially relevant with people experiencing cancer.

Mike Nightingale of Green Park Insurance works with high net worth individuals to put all their insurance into a single portfolio. His ideal clients are busy, hectic individuals who want one renewal instead of the hassle about managing different policies over different timeframes. If you know people who are cash rich but time poor, Mike is the go to guy for insurance.

Richard Holsworth of Splatt Print generously printed the new BRX member information cards – thankyou from the group. For great quality printing contact Splat up in Old Street. He welcomes introductions to conference and banqueting managers or co-ordinators who require printing of business packs and kits for large conferences and events.

Nigel Hackett – Redbrick – mortgage broker. Had substitute Karelia Scott-Daniels from Manse & Garrett – property search and selection. Nigel would like to speak to investors and property owners about how to juggle your portfolio, refinancing so you can reinvest.

Paul Marmor attended on behalf of Sherrard’s Solicitors.

Lewis Malka, jeweller and diamond geezer of Joseph Stirling had substitute Liz Ash who gave a testimonial about Lewis. Liz had recommended Lewis to a friend who designed and crafted her friend’s engagement ring. She recommends his service, attention to detail. Lewis can be inspired by any big brand ring to fit your price.

Louise of Delfont-Makintosh Theatres – Corporate Hospitality – talked about the launch of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof being a unique production highly recommended to treat yourself, guests or teams to. If you know anyone who has a special occasion coming up or wants to provide some refreshing memorable corporate hospitality, Louise is the one to talk to about theatre tickets in the West End.

Emma Ward – HSBC – Attended with Sanjeev. Emma represents the card processing facilities for HSBC. As an ideal business solution for effortless payments, improved cash flow, increase customer spend, security and an extra 60 days credit that you can offer to your customers when they use their HSBC cards.

Sanjeev from HSBC is moving from a corporate role to a small business manager in a branch role moving to Regent Street end of June. Sanjeev wants to speak to startups who might require new accounts or better business accounts with HSBC.

Roy Duncan of RGDuncan Accountancy Recruitment shared a client experience. He’s worked with a 25 million pound turnover company whose investors were not happy with the way the accounts were being managed. This is an ideal referral for Roy who helped them recruit and place a highly experienced Financial Controller to the satisfaction of the investors.

Alexis Garnaut-Miller of The Happiness Centre – Delivers stress management and employee well being programs to all sorts of organisations including private companies, councils and schools. Many schools are running health and well being weeks for teachers and students. The Happiness Centre provides wellbeing seminars, activities and onsite services such as massage, yoga and pilates to those kinds of events. They would like to speak to teachers and contacts in schools.

Michael Dodd, of Michael Dodd Media, shared his usual jovial Australian inttroduction. Like cricket you need to train and prepare for presentations and speaking with the media. You can access presentation and media training free up to 500 pounds with the government’s train to gain scheme which helps you access training.

Karelia Scott-Daniels of Manse & Garrett reported that they have been really busy in property. Noticing an increase in sealed bids and above price offers. Suggests wait till after summer when a mild downturn is expected. 10 million plus is very busy and so is the lower end of the market.. She’d like to speak to any parents who are looking for any pre-university housing.

Liz Ash – Personal Shopper – Does wardrobe edits and general style advice. Has being working with companies advising how their teams can dress for impact. Particularly useful in sales and client facing roles. Marry the brand with how they want their people’s presentation to represent them.

DANESOFT – 10 MINUTE PRESENTATION

Focussed on survey system software. Over 20,000 customers ranging from AOL and the US Navy down to mum and pop stores. Their software is excellent for high volume, repetitive surveys and competitively priced per respondent . Created by researchers for researchers. Contains a tool to conduct 360 degree management evaluations for performance reviews.

Danesoft’s ideal referrals:
Hotel customer satisfaction surveys
HR Consultants
Schools secondary and upwards
Membership organisations – pubs, football clubs
Marketing Managers for customer surveys
Charities

All in all, another energetic and interesting breakfast networking meeting in London. 　

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http://www.georgeemsden.co.uk/2009/06/hidden-gems/

Posted by Jamie Denham in General | No Comments

Who said networking is only for business?

The bright sunny morning was enhanced by an announcement of our guest this week, Liz Sorton who has found love, as a result of her attendance at BRX Bond Street.

Liz who is a youth and parent coach specialising in helping young offenders, has been a visitor on several occasion over the past 2 years. During one visit she met Alexis Garnaut-Miller from The Happiness Centre who turns stress into happiness. Somehow, Alexis worked her magic on Liz, and as a result of attending another event with Alexis, Liz met her husband to be.

However it does not end there, she commissioned Lewis Malka of Joseph Sterling to design and create an amazing ring and who knows if she decides, she may need chocolates for the reception from Kirsty Jolly from Perfectly Tempered our Chocolatier who will be happy to create any flavour design or packaging for her. Kirsty recently appeared in “The Apprentice” as an expert in her field!

Liz is clearly on to a winner and thinking about it, the Bond Street BRX group has the potential to resolve all her life issues and problems.

Richard Houldsworth from Splatt Print can produce her wedding invitations, Nigel Hakkak of Redbrick Financial Services will advise her on the best mortgage, and Mike Nightingale of Green Park Insurance will ensure that her diamond ring is fully insured along with her house and furnishings.

Louise Mevillot who represented Sayers Butterworth Chartered Accountants will be able to process Liz’s p11d and advise her and her husband on the tax benefits for married couples. George Emsden from In2Consulting our Financial Doctor will create a plan to ensure that she is not destitute when she retires or when life throws an unexpected event such as illness.

For her anniversary she would do well to use the services of Louise Hassett from Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, who just found me 4 of the best seats in the theatre. For a holiday of a life time she could talk to Mick O’Conchubair from Unvisited World who specialises in creating state of the art leisure/holiday concepts.

As Liz’s business develops she will need to promote it and at BRX Bond Street we have a strong creative team which collectively can provide the best design, marketing and communications.

Hiten Thaker from Revolution Creative will design her logo and advise on branding and communication strategy, Jamie Denham from Sliced Bread Animation can get any idea across more effectively thorough animation and for that clear sharp message Caroline Hampstead our Copywriter, will ensure that Liz communicates effectively with her clients, whether young offenders or their parents. Christian Ingerslev from Danesoft will create a website solution and provide software to carry out customer surveys.

However as her business grows she will also need other resources.

As Liz is on the move, visiting clients, she will require the latest in communication. Mab Ayyub from Olive Communications has a wide range of telephones and devices that will keep her in touch at all times, for her out-of-office communications. She may want to create reports and Gavin Morton-Holmes from Destiny who is currently considering other opportunities, however can still provide her with his magic pen that saves time rewriting reports. Zoe Antin of Opus Telecom can provide the latest cost –effective solution. Des Sutton from Man Bites Dog will look after all her IT needs whether hardware, software or maintenance.

Tariq Benson from HSBC will make sure she has the right bank account and support, and should she decide to expand, provide facilities almost anywhere in the world. Roy Duncan from RG Duncan Accountancy Recruitment will find her a bookkeeper and as the business grows, a Financial Controller to keep it on track financially. Paul Marmor who represented Sherards Solictors will provide full legal advice and support.

Perhaps Liz should talk to David Coburn the BRX Regional Partner who will by happy to sign her up as member.

Finally, life never runs entirely smoothly and if her vibrations become negative, George Metcalfe our Life Coach will support her through changes and challenges in both her business and personal life and restore a positive vibe.

Posted by rduncan in General | 5 Comments

http://www.georgeemsden.co.uk/2009/06/a-matter-of-trust/

Posted by Jamie Denham in General | No Comments

As you’ll know, while in Brussels, we heard from Julia Harrison about how to do business in Belgium and how to get money from the EU. She took questions and certainly seems to be on top of her subject.

So, what did she say? Yes, what did she say?

Well, if you really want to know – click on the play buttons below. This was done over luch, so you’ll hear lots of cuttlery and crockery and there are moments when the questions are none too clear but I think they’re audible enough if you listen carefully.

Here is the first part of her presentation – how to set up in Belgium:

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Then, she told us about getting funding from the EU:

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After which she took questions – these are in two parts, one when sitting at our end of the table:

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Then she moved to the middle of the table to answer local questions there.

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At the end of the second set of questions, the conversation moved on to politics so the recording was stopped at that point!

Her contact details are available from Christian.

The recordings were done using Johnny Mindlin’s taser/audio recorder.

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It seemed strange to have a BRX meeting this week which didn’t follow an away day to an exotic, romantic, or indeed historic city first!

That said there was a fantastic turnout this morning and if you looked hard enough you could see some people with history, people with romance and possibly a few exotic faces as well. This is on a day that saw four subs with bleary eyes turn up in place of regular members.

Rebecca came in place of Christian, Susan in place of her brother Paul, Karelia was standing in for Roy and Judy was here in place of Justin. For that we thank them.

Jamie Denham from Sliced Bread Animation has a new website up which is more up to date and gives us a real insight into his creativity. He is looking for people who do PowerPoint presentations and want to incorporate flash into the programme.

Rebecca subbing for Christian Ingerslev from Danesoft tells us he creates websites and online surveys.

Des Sutton from Man Bites Dog offers IT support and solutions to make things work. He is currently looking for clients who work from home and the office and need to link a network together and be able to share files and back up data in a third party place.

Caroline Hampstead (Copywriter) is looking for Ad/Design agencies and marketing companies

Hiten Thaker from Revolution, who has been early more often than not lately, is looking for Marketing and Communication Managers.

Gavin Morton-Holmes from Destiny told us about his latest vibrating piece of technology, which is a digital pen. The idea is that you take notes with the pen and when you dock then “pen” it syncs to your computer and creates pages in PDF format for you to look back on after. No more scraps of paper. With entry level at only £169.00 +VAT it seems a steal. (Double check price first). He wants to speak to surveyors this week.

George Emsden from In2Consulting wants to hold your hand and walk you through the “mish mash” of policies and small print to be found in insurance policies, especially for those persons dealing with redundancy insurance. He is particularly keen to speak to key people in business and people needing critical illness cover.

Mike Nightingale of Green Park Insurance, is looking for introductions to people requiring specialist property insurance that would perhaps not be covered by usual insurance policies, for example, thatched houses or people who want to turn a large residential house into a B&B.

Alexis Garnaut-Miller from The Happiness Centre is marking 15 years trading at the Centre in West London. Practioners from the centre offer training to organizations that focus on stress management. She is particularly looking for introductions to Sony Erickson. “Their stress is our happiness”

Paul Fitch from Sayers Butterworth is looking to speak to anyone earning over £150,000 per annum and want to have their accounts looked at with the view of reducing their tax bill.

Hello, hello, hello! Mab Ayyub from Olive Communications is trying to get through to you. Hello? This week Mab is looking for people in the fire protection or the security services.

Zoe Antin of Opus Telecom is looking for referrals to companies that are moving office or recruiting more employees and need to sort out their telecoms. As well as being a Siemens provider, she is also very well informed on the products from NEC.

Karelia subbing for Roy Duncan from RG Duncan Accountancy is looking for private equity companies and venture capitalists that need to find recruits in their accounts department.

David Coburn, BRX Regional Partner joined us late on during the proceedings. It was nice to see you as always.

The fresh faced Laura Firestone from HSBC looking great after her marathon 26 mile walk in aid of breast cancer which raised close to £4,000 doing the Moonwalk, is looking to give away money. Well it is the banks money. Anyone looking for finance go to Laura.

My favourite young bride to be, Louise Hassett from Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, spent one night last week previewing Jude Law in Hamlet and has availability for the show from now until the end of August. Would you like to take a client? You will be well looked after.

Sue was subbing for Paul Marmor and was representing Sherrards Solicitors.

Kirsty Joly from Perfectly Tempered has taken her first Xmas order! Please let her know about any event managers, restaurants, and housekeeping departments within hotels that would benefit from her scrumptious chocolates, which also make great corporate gifts. Kirsty may be seen this Sunday evening on the Apprentice. Tune in to BBC1 to find her.

Judy was subbing for Justin Beavis from World Dive Centers. She told us that this brilliant concept is growing, both in profile and presence and he continues working on projects in Dubai. They will also be acting as consultants to projects in Mexico and Tanzania, which will add to their fast growing consultancy arm of the business. He is currently interested to meet with persons in the construction and development arenas and also those involved in new leisure destinations. They are also rebranding and will now be know as Unvisited World. Congratulations.

George Metcalfe is a Life Coach who helps people to realize that some things may never happen again so you better make the most of the time you’ve got! In most cultures, the elderly are revered for their knowledge and perspective. “Elder coaching” would normally take place in retirement homes, where groups of retirees would welcome clients and help them deal with their problems. A lesson to us all, anyone can benefit from the wise. George would even meet you away from his ”retirement village”, as long as you provide the warm coco. He is excellent.

Richard Houldsworth from Splatt Print offers choice in all things to do with print and is looking for clients who want to start thinking about Christmas card, advent calendars and menus for the office Christmas party.

Our newest member was broken in this morning with last minute notification for a 10-minute slot. And I have to say I thought he came out very well. Yes I am referring to Nigel Hakkak of Redbrick Financial Services. Normally when finance people start talking I fall asleep. Boring. Not this time. He told us what makes him different from the others, and the one thing that stood out was the fact he doesn’t charge the client a fee. I was surprised. He went on to say that he feels the broker should earn their fee and that by just filling out an application form, submitting it, and getting paid whether it goes through or not, was not in his code of ethics. It was not fair on the client. Anyone who will be at the Sri Lankan High Commission dinner coming up in the next few weeks will have the pleasure of another presentation, as Nigel will be the guest speaker. An ideal referral for Nigel is a first time buyer who wants excellent advice and help in getting on the first rung of the property ladder. Well done and welcome to the group.

Well, I guess that just leaves your Diamond Geezer. Yes me Lewis Malka of Joseph Sterling. Well, with the price of gold being high and according to statistics more people in the first quarter of 2009 selling their old gold rather than buying new, I am looking for people who want to host a gold party. Ideally it should be a woman 45 years or older and she should invite at least 6 friends. I will also be there and will test the gold, weigh it and pay out on the night. So, who do you know who wants to have a good time with me, get their rocks off and party. Call me.

Any other business? YES!

The BRX Bond Street referral collator tells me we had 37 referral passed this week between our members. Don’t forget to follow up on those. This time next year you could be a millionaire.

I would just like to leave you with a thought, which I hope will inspire you.

Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowing boat and taking a pot of tartar sauce with you!

This week’s author is none other than Lewis Malka. I thank you!

Posted by Lewis Malka in General | No Comments

The 28th May 2009 had quickly become the most important social and cultural event in the calendar. The BRX Bond Street away day!

The group descended on Brussels for a day of culture, sight seeing, business insight, food, drink and general merriment. A big thank you to the groups social secretary, Christian Ingerslev, for a very well organised trip.

A little bit of culture and sight seeing in the historic part of Brussels,
my we are well travelled!

BRX Bond Street gather for the obligatory group shot

Over lunch we hear from Julia Harrison (an ex pat) who has successfully set up
businesses in Belgium, her depth of knowledge was fascinating

What a great way to round the day off, a few beers in the sun

Posted by Mike Nightingale in General | 2 Comments