A new Opendoorz group in Wallingford is the latest new kid on the block for this rapidly growing professional business network. With a fast-growing membership, it’s the relaxed yet professional vibe that’s drawing members in… oh, and the cake!
Over the millennia, the market town of Wallingford (for many years in Berkshire but since the 1970s a part of Oxfordshire) has flourished as a centre for trade and enterprise. Although, Opendoorz wasn’t around in the Middle Ages – not even our beloved founders, Sonia and Cathy, are quite that old – the long history of business and entrepreneurship certainly made it an obvious choice for the latest Opendoorz group.
The Opendoorz professional business network has grown considerably over the last few years. What started as one group in Oxford has steadily grown to a network of eight groups across Oxfordshire with more than 100 business owners and director level members. Wallingford is one of the latest groups to launch with a flourish and a pop of corks (we don’t do launching any other way!) and is already proving an excellent source of connections, support, and business for its members.
An unsubstantiated rumour is that the history of brewing was what drew Opendoorz to the town of Wallingford! The group launched in February and it’s not just the beer that’s meant they haven’t stopped enjoying themselves yet!
Led by the intrepid Phil Saville as Associate Director, the group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the George Hotel. Phil has Opendoorz in his blood and has been a member of the Trinity group and subsequently Associate Director there too for several years.
When he’s not got his Opendoorz AD hat on, Phil dons a cape and protects business from cyber criminals by making sure they have the right tools to make their IT productive and secure and increase their business success as a Director for CIS Ltd. Although, he only wears the mask on special occasions…
As with all Opendoorz groups, the meetings follow a carefully designed format that allows for everyone to share ideas, discuss, and work on their personal development.
Week one is for members only and is a great opportunity to talk about all things business with a trusted group of friends and colleagues. In week three meetings, we throw open the doors to guests and these are always lively affairs with lots of high calibre conversation. In all meetings, there’s a chance for members to deliver a showcase on their business and there’s always a continuous professional development (CPD) session that provides invaluable insight into different areas of business management and growth.
“I really look forward to our Opendoorz meetings. For me, it’s time out from the detail and to do list to look at the bigger picture. The Wallingford group has warmth, inspiration and wisdom, with humour and kindness never far away.” Helen Parsons, Garden Design
The vibe of Opendoorz is definitely ‘relaxed, yet professional’, as group member, Siobhan Brookes put it. Siobhan runs Folan Brookes Financial Consultants Ltd and told us ‘I enjoy being part of such a fun and enthusiastic group of business people, sharing ideas and building valuable relationships.’
The secret to success for Opendoorz has always been how unlike traditional networking groups it is. There’s no hard sell, no emphasis on making referrals every week and no doling out business cards like candy! Instead, the focus is on building relationships and developing an in-depth understanding of different group members help their clients. When the trust and friendship is there, the business happens naturally.
The secret to success for Opendoorz has always been how unlike traditional networking groups it is. There’s no hard sell, no emphasis on making referrals every week and no doling out business cards like candy! Instead, the focus is on building relationships and developing an in-depth understanding of different group members help their clients. When the trust and friendship is there, the business happens naturally.
Now almost 4 months in, the group have their sights firmly set on growth and making the Wallingford Opendoorz group a force to be reckoned with! They are actively looking for new members to join them across a wide range of sectors but in particular, an Accountant, a Web Developer and a Business Coach.
We like to stress that as well as amazing business support and connections, the meetings also include delicious cake and a drink in the bar afterwards – what’s not to love?!
You can find out more about the Wallingford group and its gang of gorgeous members (honestly they are!) by visiting the Opendoorz website.
If you’d like to join them at one of their guest events and experience the Opendoorz difference for yourself, they’d love to invite you along. Simply complete the contact form on the website or get in touch with Phil Saville directly at [email protected]
