OBN has been established to bring a different type of networking to Oxford, based more on the fact that 'people buy people'.

Below you will see information about our activities and membership.

For further details, please contact us

OUR ACTIVITIES

The core activities of OBN are as listed below in this and other sections. However OBN is designed to be ever evolving and therefore this is not ever designed to be the complete and defining list. OBN is established for the members and activities may change, so we therefore reserve the right to change the content of these activities at any time.

• Regular business meetings - max 2 hours

A business meeting will be held on a regular basis at a different location announced in advance. The cost of these meetings is not included within the membership fee and attendance will be charged to members at cost. Invited non members are allowed to attend 2 meetings before joining the group, but will pay a higher fee than members.

• To rotate the venue for each meeting to a members premises or public venue
• To vary the meeting times to suit all over time with priority to breakfast or twilight meetings
• To rotate the chairperson for each meeting (with priority to the host business) providing an opportunity for refreshing the approach or introducing new ideas as we develop the network
• The meeting will include light refreshments, which the host may wish to sponsor or an fee at cost will apply.
• Substitution for a non attending member at these meetings is encouraged at all times

   

• Other meetings

• From time to time we may hold online meetings & presentations to maximise your potential and help you grow your business. The only cost will be the cost of a telephone call, but a saving on travel, your time etc.

   

• Other networking opportunities

• OBN will look to organise regular social events, which will be offered at cost to members.
• As before invited non members are allowed to attend a maximum of 2 meetings before joining the group, but will pay a higher fee than members.
• OBN will organise Vocational visits to places of interest to the members
• Synergy group meetings will be encouraged for industry sub networks within OBN
• 1:2:1 meetings to also be encouraged as the greatest way to understand another members businesses and objectives
• Industry specific events or training may be offered if demand exists
• Annual events such as a golf day, summer ball. These will be offered to members at a subsidised fee or cost and may be held in partnership with other organisations.
• Charity / community support – to support our corporate responsibility programmes by combining our efforts to make a positive contribution to our local area and local charities

OBN will also produce a monthly newsletter communication, with the opportunity for contributions from members. This communication will also provide you with the ability to forward the useful content as added value to your own clients.

Open feedback from members is encouraged at all times with the view to create a culture of an ever evolving experience for the members.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership will allow:

• Increased business opportunities
• Support and advice from group members on business related issues
• Increased customer satisfaction from improved range of reliable providers.

Full membership of the Group shall be open to businesses who are interested in working to the objectives of the Group and who have paid the annual subscription.

The organising committee shall have the right to approve or reject applications for membership and for good and sufficient reason to terminate the membership of any individual or organisation

Membership fees will apply as follows:

One off joining fee                         £50 + vat                                 

Annual membership Fee                £120 + vat  or pro-rata to 1st June                

These fees will be invoiced in advance and payment is required before a confirmation of membership is fully approved. Annual fees are payable on the 1st June each year.

The right of membership renewal is not automatic and subject to considerations such as interaction with other members and the support to the network.

Membership is non-exclusive, creating sub ‘synergy group’ opportunities to work with those often incorrectly categorised as competitors. However a limited maximum number of members per profession or industry will be allowed at the discretion of the organisers.

There will be no pressure or membership terminations based on attendance or the giving of referrals. However an expectation will exist to support each other and the wellbeing of the network, which will be taken into consideration on renewal.

Members will be encouraged to invite guests to meetings and events and promote membership of OBN to other appropriate business owners.

OBN will seek a range of additional membership benefits such as:

• Member to member offers,
• External agreements such as reduced fees for fitness club membership, restaurant discounts, group packages etc
• Potential for an online shop offering members products, or general items of interest such as books to aid networking and business growth

WEB SITE

The network will have its own web site www.oxfordbusinessnetwork.co.uk

Each member will be entitled to a free basic listing showing their name, business, location,  email, telephone number and a brief overview of their business (max 25 words). A Small cost will apply to amend this listing if desired.

OBN will also offer an enhanced listing opportunity to including the information as per the free listing plus a further business summary (additional 35 words), a logo (in JPEG format, Max 1mb), with a hyperlink to the members own web site and upto 4 amends to this listing per year. This enhanced listing will be available at an annual cost to cover hosting etc of £36 + vat or pro-rata. This will be invoiced with the membership fee at the time of joining or annually on the 1st June or at the time of request.

It may be possible for a member to have web based adverts. Prices on application.

The web site will also include an advice page with expert advice articles, also linking to a members external web page when applicable. A charge may be applicable dependant on contribution and requirements.

COMMITTEE

The activities and organisation of OBN will be led by a committee of which the members will be elected by the organising company. Members are not forced to take a voluntary committee position at any time during their membership, however any member is able to put themselves forward for consideration of a committee position, although it is not expected.

DISSOLUTION

If the Committee decides at any time that on the ground of expense or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Group, it shall call a meeting of all members of the Group to notify the reasons why.

Paid up members will be refunded their membership fee on a pro-rata basis