“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. ”

“It has been a pleasure to be part of the Vectis Business Link networking group. It has been very interesting learning about local businesses and seeing them grow. Having a network of local contacts who have experience and knowledge in such a broad range of skills, you never know when you may need them! We have made some lovely friends and helping each other grow has been lovely to see. Thank you Alex for your efforts running this group.”

“Being a not for profit charity, our membership to VBL is invaluable and the support we receive from the real people behind the businesses is amazing.”

“VBL has helped me to project what I am all about not just my business and what I can offer to potential networkers/customers. I have obtained business from members and their family members and look forward to the ongoing support.”

“Vectis Business Link is a great networking group for its unique blend of informality and genuine support. As business owners, we don’t just network; we’ve built a community of like-minded individuals. The informal atmosphere has allowed us to build genuine relationships, making every meeting not only productive but enjoyable. I love the focus on “word of mouth” and “personal recommendations.” This has built strong business connections based on genuine experiences and endorsements.
Each member of Vectis Business Link brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills to the table, alongside the willingness to freely share experiences, where everyone benefits from the collective wisdom of the group.
In essence, Vectis Business Link has become more than just a networking group for me; it is a community of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of being part of the Isle of Wight business landscape. I am grateful for the relationships forged, the knowledge shared, and the unwavering support that defines this fantastic group.
”

“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. ”

“For a very manageable time commitment VBL offers us valuable access to a wide variety of businesses across the Island. ”

“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.”