Guide to BITA

PEOPLE WHO KNOW PEOPLE THAT HELP PEOPLE

THE GUIDE TO BITA BRITISH AND IRISH TRADING ALLIANCE

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BITA MEMBERSHIP TO MY CLIENTS, AS THE NETWORK LUNCHES ARE REALLY FRIENDLY, VERY PRODUCTIVE AND ALWAYS MEMORABLE! – Tracey Ann McRobert, Business Consultant

CONTENTS All about BITA

04

The BITA Team

07

The Benefits of BITA Membership

08

BITA and Collaborations

10

Getting the Best from Membership

12

BITAx Leading the Future

15

Sponsorship

16

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ALL ABOUT BITA We are ‘the people who know people that help people’; a unique statement that encapsulates our ethos. BITA promotes and grows business across the UK and Ireland; successfully increasing trade, creating opportunities, and improving the relationship between both nations. We help our members to develop pipelines and new opportunities to achieve their goals. Our supporters and patrons gain access to labour, contractors and suppliers.

We are a non-profit organisation with a board made up from CEOs, business owners and key decision makers who offer their time, expertise and contacts to help fuel economic growth. Through their expertise, we can assist our members achieve the success they plan for their ventures. We have chapters across the UK and Ireland, with international collaborations that offer strategic coverage.

Known for our friendly and welcoming approach to networking, our members share our ethos, and have a genuine interest in forming connections and generating new business.

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ABOUT

Why we’re Different We know there are lots of other networking organisations out there, all with similar aims. Before you join, we want to make sure we’re a good fit for your business and are able to offer you the tools and opportunities to achieve your business goals.

This is the way we do business: n Actively make introductions n Consider smaller businesses when pricing events and membership n Encourage and facilitate trade across the UK and Ireland, as well as on a wider international scale n Work with other networking organisations collaboratively, not combatively n Promote our members across all channels available to us n Champion women in business and work to help young people get ahead n Host fun events providing opportunities for people to make connections and build relationships Our members: n Gain access to events across Ireland and the UK n Form genuine friendships n Can attend events at all chapters n Actively share their knowledge and experience

Our Vision “BITA has an influential membership and is recognised as an organisation that increases trade and co-operation between the two nations.”

Using our wealth of contacts and expertise, our clear vision is to establish BITA as the ‘go-to’ organisation for members looking for help or advice with their growth plans. We are known as the standout networking organisation for business owners and decision makers who want to grow their business and expand into new territory. For us it’s not just about being ahead of the game, it’s about re-writing the rules!

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BITA HAS A REPUTATION AS AN ORGANISATION WITH A SOFT OUTSIDE, BUT A HARD CORE. WE HAVE FUN AND ARE PROUD OF OUR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE, BUT WE ARE ALSO SERIOUS ABOUT BUSINESS AND GET THINGS DONE. – Paul Whitnell, BITA President

Our mission Delivering our ‘why’ is the driving force behind what we do and why we do it.

Our mission is to: n Encourage, promote and create business n Assist professionals with branching out and building key relationships n Form strong ties between the UK and Ireland and the international business community n Offer a helping hand to people from both countries who are looking for new business, or are relocating to either country and require assistance adapting to differences in culture or legislation n Extend the right support and expertise to help SMEs succeed and expand

Our values As an organisation working with many different businesses with different cultures and competing interests, we have formed values that represent who we are and what we want to achieve and it’s these principles that act as a guide for our board and our members. n Integrity - Our intentions are clear, transactions are transparent, and trust is paramount n Passion - We add value by demonstrating generosity of spirit, giving our time and expertise, and sharing our knowledge and contacts n Delivery - We do what we say and act in unity n Clarity of Communication – We are clear in our intentions and honest with what we can do

06/ St Anne’s Church, Cork

THE BITA TEAM TEAM

The Executive Board sets the agenda for BITA after considering current events and recommendations from Non-Executive Directors and the Chapter Boards. The individual chapter boards execute the agenda and provide feedback from their experience in the area and in their industries. These positions are filled by CEOs, MDs and business owners who want to give something back, and help other ventures grow and succeed. Our head office handles the day-to-day running of the organisation and offers full-time support to the boards and our members. Additional assistance comes from our media officer who publicises news (both general and member), events and special offers across our social media platforms.

Paul Whitnell, President

Together our team supports all chapters including BITAx, the legacy chapter of BITA comprised of young talent and entrepreneurs.

The local chapter boards are the first point of call to our members; organising and hosting local events, communicating with you about membership matters and making local connections. Our Head Office team support the chapters with nationwide events and companywide communications like our newsletters, social media and our quarterly magazine NetWorks.

Diane Birch, Executive Director

Laura Watkins, Operations Manager

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THE BENEFITS OF

BITA MEMBERSHIP THE MORE YOU PUT IN, THE MORE YOU’LL GET OUT!

08/ BITA Golf Masters 2019, Sponsored by JM Clark

We recommend that members attend as many events as they can to cement relationships and make new contacts. Very rarely is business done on the back of a faceless email or web profile; people deal with those they have a personal relationship with, so we present as many opportunities as possible for people to connect – make use of us!

Building Relationships

aimed at SMEs offering advice for growth and future planning.

With BITA, as with life, the more you put in, the more you get out! Members who regularly attend events and get involved will naturally make more connections and create better business opportunities.

Exclusive offers Our members have access to excellent offers put forward by other members. These include hotel discounts across the UK and Ireland, and special packages in restaurants, as well as discounts on professional services and suppliers. If you would like to make an offer of your own, simply let head office know so we can tell everyone.

Our Events

What’s Included?

We believe attending our events is the best way to form and consolidate great relationships and is the most advantageous way to capitalise on your involvement with BITA. All our members are welcome to any BITA event, whatever the chapter, and you’ll soon find that new faces are just as welcoming as old ones!

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Marketing and Promotion Our marketing platforms are available to our members looking to promote good deeds, business news and discounts. You can also promote your business through sponsorship opportunities and reach new audiences. Our members support each other, which is why you will find plenty of useful discounts and offers to benefit you and your business.

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Business Advice If you are looking for advice, our board members are equipped with a wealth of knowledge and diverse skills that they are willing to share. We have hosted seminars offering advice on topics as diverse as tax obligations to Brexit; we also run regular seminars

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Membership that covers all company employees Access to all BITA chapters and events Your business profile on our website Direct access to key decision makers Exclusive ‘member only’ discounts Special offers provided by our member network Discounts on ticket prices for many BITA events Invitations to events run by BITA associates, often at discounted rates Promotion of your business through exclusive sponsorship opportunities Free access to educational workshops Eligibility to enter the BITA awards, an award ceremony held at our annual Gala Ball Free posted copy and opportunity to publish or advertise in our magazine, NetWorks Free promotion of your events/products/services on social media and other media channels, such as the Irish Post The BITA board working to get maximum exposure and create beneficial relationships for you and your business through sponsorship opportunities

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BENEFITS

Our members form a community of like-minded people and they are usually very happy to meet for a coffee and talk business or share expertise. Make the most of your membership by forming relationships with this great group of people, benefit from their experience and share yours!

BITA AND COLLABORATIONS We find that working together with other organisations collaboratively, rather than combatively, is the best way to secure the most opportunities for our members.

Creating partnerships with other networking organisations enables us to have a far-ranging reach, and provide valuable connections.

Causeway / BITA Dual membership costs ÂŁ395 + VAT and entitles you to full member access to both organisations

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Dual Membership – Causeway Exchange and BITA

COLLABORATIONS

We started working with Causeway Exchange (a membership organisation based in Scotland and Northern Ireland) in 2018 and have since formalised our relationship as their values and mission so well reflect our own. Business to business networking is at the heart of what they do. Causeway support businesses and business professionals in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland to meet, communicate and cooperate for the mutual benefit of each market. We are working with Causeway to offer our members the same opportunities in Scotland and Northern Ireland as they have in the UK and Ireland through BITA. So, if you are working in either of these countries or looking to expand there, you will want to seriously consider this Dual Membership.

Dual members get all the benefits of joining BITA, as well as corporate membership of Causeway, which includes: n First class off and online networking opportunities, both at events and through our members only section n Attendance for three company representatives at all keynote speaker events, sector specific workshops and member meet-ups (minimum of ten per year) n Opportunity to invite three corporate guests to all keynote speaker events, sector specific workshops and member meet-ups free of charge n Opportunity to promote company by publishing logo on the Causeway website n Unique opportunities to enhance company profile through sponsorship of events n Access to company information and contact details of all network members n Bespoke introduction to network members upon request

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GETTING THE BEST FROM MEMBERSHIP Attending our events is the best way to form and consolidate great relationships and is the most advantageous way to capitalise on your involvement with BITA. We also offer opportunities for promotion and sponsorship to provide additional exposure for your brand.

Events We all know that the best and most loyal relationships are developed over time, and that people do business with people. Getting yourself ‘out there’ is a sure-fire way of being able to begin forming these relationships, and we offer events that suit every taste and pocket.

Our social networking events are free for members and are held once a month in each chapter; they are a great way to ease yourself into networking and meet our members and board.

Networking lunches are held regularly in each chapter offering exceptional business connections and opportunities, and are increasingly popular.

Our social events include golf days, wine tastings and parties, allowing members to develop connections in a more informal environment. The highlight of the BITA calendar is our annual Gala Ball and award ceremony which offers glitz and glamour, as well as the opportunity to win a coveted BITA award – voted for by our members!

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We know that some people struggle with the idea of networking, which is why we keep our events as fun and welcoming as possible. If you are concerned about attending an event, Head Office can arrange for you to be met by an Event Host, who will help you with those initial introductions and make you feel comfortable.

Our website, social media channels and regular newsletters will keep you informed about events coming up so make sure you follow us.

Our Magazine NetWorks Published quarterly, our magazine provides our members with a great resource, offering insight as well as advertising opportunities. We welcome article submissions from our members in their field of expertise and have advertising spaces available at different price points. Our members receive a free copy in the post and they are available at most of our events. Get involved and reach more people!

MEMBERSHIP

Online Communications With over 1000 unique visitors to our website each month, this is a great resource for your business. Keep your profile regularly updated with news about your company. Post reviews, testimonials and videos to reach a whole new audience.

Make sure you let us know about any developments, too – we love to shout about successes in our monthly newsletter and across social media!

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Promote Exclusive Offers We are well-known as ‘the people who know people that help people’, and we enjoy helping our members share that ethos.

Offering an exclusive deal not only increases your profile and business, but also gives back to our other members and helps them grow their ventures in turn.

Inform BITA of any ‘good news’ stories Have you recently won an award, or landed a huge contract? Perhaps you achieved an amazing feat and raised money for charity? We love to brag about our members’ successes and let everybody know what you’re up to.

With active followers across social media, a wide-reaching newsletter and a magazine, we have a great potential audience for you. All you need to do is tell us about your achievements!

Get Involved Our Event Hosts are always on hand to greet everybody, look after new faces and of course they also have the advantage of gaining plenty of quick and easy introductions for themselves! If you think that the role of Event Host would suit you, please let us know. The process is quick and easy, with no future commitment needed.

We look for driven and experienced people to join the various chapter boards; if you think you’ve got what it takes we’d love to hear from you!

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BITAx –

LEADING THE FUTURE Founded in 2018, BITAx provides education, expertise, experience and opportunities for under 35s

The BITAx board is made up of entrepreneurs, business owners and employees of businesses, all looking to gain education, expertise and experience that will serve them in their future lives and careers.

Their events are organised with an entrepreneurial spirit in mind and are located in exciting and vibrant venues. As well as the opportunity to network, these events are forward thinking and set the foundations for members to take the next steps with their careers, helping plan their businesses for the future, and keeping up to date; not just with technology, but modes of thinking.

Monthly social evenings in conjunction with these special events mean that members can connect and swap ideas regularly.

One of the main benefits of membership, is gaining access to core BITA members when seeking mentors who can offer insight when planning continuing professional and personal development. This chapter has been set up to help its members forge relationships and temper skills that will last them a lifetime.

BITAx

/15 Trinity College, Dublin

SPONSORSHIP As a not-for-profit organisation, we always offer great value for our members, our ethos is about ensuring that everybody can enjoy the benefits we provide. Sponsorship not only offers the opportunity for increased business and exposure, but also gives you the chance to give back – helping support BITA and our members. There are two main types of sponsorship – event and organisational.

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Maisie Smith at our Savoy Gala Ball, sponsored

by DRS Bond Management 2017 – 2019.

Corporate Sponsorship These entirely individual packages range from a one-off philanthropic endeavour to bespoke sponsorship designed to fulfil specific business development requirements. Sponsorship starts at £5,000 for gold sponsorship status.

If you would like your business to be considered, please contact us to arrange a meeting with our President, Paul Whitnell.

Event Sponsorship Event sponsor benefits vary from event to event. Using our popular London construction networking lunches as an example, benefits of sponsorship include: n Promotion across our social media platforms n Promotion on invitations to the event n Promotional material at the event n A slot on the day to present your company to our guests n Fabulous lunch in a stunning location for you and five guests

Most of our events, including our golf days and annual ball have opportunities for sponsorship. If this is an avenue you are interested in, the best thing to do is contact the office to talk about what you want to achieve and what budget you have, and we’ll build a bespoke package that answers your needs.

Sponsorship starts from as little as £100

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SPONSORSHIP

Diane Birch and Paul Whitnell at the Savoy 2018.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

MEMBERSHIP OF BITA HAS BENEFITED LAING O’ROUKE BY OPENING UP NEW MARKETS AND GIVING US ACCESS TO A BIGGER NETWORK OF PEOPLE. BITA IS GREAT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND HAS BEEN VERY USEFUL TO US. – Declan McGeeney, Director at Laing O’Rourke

I CANNOT SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH ABOUT BITA, I HAVE BEEN WITH THEM FOR 2 MONTHS AND AS A RESULT OF ATTENDING THEIR EVENTS HAVE GENERATED TWO CLIENTS AND IN EXCESS OF 8 STRONG PROSPECTS. – Will Marshall, Veritas Advisory

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PEOPLE WHO KNOW PEOPLE THAT HELP PEOPLE

BITA Ltd. / The Hive Enterprise Centre / The Old Central Library / Victoria Avenue / Southend-on-Sea / SS2 6EX

T. +44 (0) 1702 417131 / E. laura@bita.ie

www.bita.ie