“I joined the Vectis Business Link networking event because I wanted to connect with local businesses in a relaxed and genuine environment and it’s been exactly that. From the moment I walked in, everyone was welcoming, approachable and genuinely interested in getting to know each other, not just swapping business cards. The atmosphere is supportive, which makes it easy to have real conversations and build meaningful friendships. It’s a refreshingly friendly networking group where you feel comfortable, include and encouraged to grow.”

“I have been a member of VBL for the past year and have found it incredibly beneficial, both professionally and personally. It’s a welcoming, supportive group of like-minded small business owners who genuinely want to help each other succeed. The relaxed but focused meetings are a great opportunity to share ideas, gain valuable referrals, and learn from others’ experiences. Being part of this network has strengthened my connections within the local business community and has been a real boost to my business.”

“A warm welcome. This is the phrase that best describes my first networking meeting at Vectis Business Link. Networking is such an important part of my business strategy and the variety of businesses represented at the VBL meetings helps the group to be successful. I always try to contribute as much as I take away from each meeting as building strong relationships is my goal. ”

“We have been a member of VBL for a number of years, firstly through Paul Wheeler and Wheelers Solicitors association with the group and more recently, as Biscoes Solicitors. The VBL group are an incredibly welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable group of professionals. Biscoes Solicitors regularly receives referrals from the group and we have been able to help many members and their contacts with their legal queries and issues. The meeting format is relaxed which allows the members and guests to get to know each other, as well as each other’s businesses, which leads to a high number of great quality referrals being generated. The group enables an open forum for the sharing of business ideas as well as discussion about national and local community focused topics. ”

“As a micro-business, having the opportunity to network with people from similar-sized businesses has proved invaluable. Running your own business is tough and it can sometimes get a bit lonely out there! VBL enables me to come together with like-minded individuals, and although we each represent different specialisms we frequently share similar challenges and frustrations whilst each being able to present fresh ideas and opportunities. My fellow VBL members have become like colleagues and it’s a source of constant reassurance to know there is a broad range of trusted individuals, who are all experts in their field, I can turn to for my business needs and personal support. ”

“Since I started working for the IW Observer 5 years ago I became a member of VBL, pretty much straight away. For someone who struggles to talk in front of people and lacks a bit of self-confidence, I very quickly became at ease seeing the same faces every other week and building relationships with the members not only as clients but as friends has really helped me improve in my role. I can honestly say my client base has grown thanks to Vectis Business Link and I value learning about other members and the businesses they are involved in. ”

“An incredibly friendly and inclusive group, personally I have gained business, which are the fundamentals of networking. But more importantly the connections and knowledge the group provides, has been invaluable for other things I am involved in on a voluntary basis. Thank you.”

“Red Squirrel has been attending Vectis Business Link for a few years now and we find the people great and most importantly gives you a great opportunity to network with great island businesses, whilst promoting our business to others. ”

“I have been a member of VBL for several years and find the meetings extremely helpful. The presentations from the members each fortnight provide valuable insights. My main reason for joining was to build a network of valuable business contacts. I have certainly achieved that goal and can now confidently recommend other members to my clients. I am pleased to say that several members have now become my clients.”

“The strength of island business’s pulling together offers a huge benefit to all the members of VBL, our close working relationship, varied skill set and industry specific knowledge is a powerful resource.”

“We are very grateful to be a part of the VBL community, to connect with other local island businesses, supporting each other, sharing experiences, knowledge and expertise to help one another to grow in business. ”

“5 Star Pest Control were invited to join Vectis Business Link and it was our pleasure to accept. The membership is varied and provides access to expertise in a broad and useful range of subjects across business. We have been fortunate to employ two of our fellow members and regularly recommend our members to others. Vectis Business Link are a friendly bunch and make an 07.30am start every other Tuesday a pleasure. We would definitely recommend as a useful networking group.”