Ferndown Business Network - FBN

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Ferndown Business Network - FBN

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Ferndown Business Network exists to help our members businesses grow. Our informal and friendly busin
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12/10/2026

At our recent networking meeting, Andy Hover from Our HR People used the “Monkey Business Illusion” video to make a thought-provoking point about where we focus our attention as business owners.

We’re often busy keeping track of:
💷 Revenue
📊 Cash flow
🤝 Customers
📦 Delivery

But while we’re concentrating on the numbers and day-to-day demands, what might we be overlooking?

Andy’s presentation reminded us not to lose sight of our people, and the importance of HR and employee relations within our businesses.

Are we making time to listen to our teams? Are expectations clear? Are there conversations we’ve been putting off?

A great reminder to step back, look beyond the figures and pay attention to the people behind them.

Thank you, Andy, for an engaging presentation and a fresh perspective! 👏

What’s one thing in your business that deserves more of your attention?

(Oaktree HR & Business Consulting)

07/10/2026

Last week, our FBN business networking group was hosted by Parley Place Care Home - Barchester Healthcare, and what lovely surroundings for a great meeting! 🌿🤝

A big thank you to Michelle, one of our members, for looking after us so well and making us feel welcome. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up, share ideas and connect with fellow local businesses.

Thank you, Michelle and Parley Place, for having us! 😊

22/09/2026

Last week at our business networking meeting, we were pleased to hear a presentation from our member Paul Meakin of Pitsac on the importance of email security.

Paul explained why protecting your business email domain matters. Without the right security measures in place, criminals may be able to impersonate your email address, potentially putting your business, clients and reputation at risk.

A useful first step is to check how securely your domain is configured. EasyDMARC offers a free domain scan that reviews important email-security records, including SPF, DKIM and DMARC, and highlights potential issues. These records help verify that emails sent using your domain are genuine and can help protect against spoofing and phishing attempts.

To check your own domain, visit EasyDMARC and enter your website domain name.

Thank you, Paul, for an informative and valuable presentation - a timely reminder that email security should be a priority for every business.

14/09/2026

Last week at our business networking group, we were delighted to have one of our members Paul Buttolph from PTB Photography as our presenter.

Paul shared his personal journey, including some of the challenges he faced while growing up, his time in the Air Force, and how photography became such an important part of his life.

What began as a hobby soon developed into a real passion, and eventually a successful career. It was inspiring to hear how Paul turned something he loved into a business that allows him to capture special moments and tell stories through images.

Paul also gave us a quick and fascinating lesson in photographic composition, explaining some of the key rules that can help create a stronger, more balanced photograph. There was plenty for us all to take away, whether we use photography for business, social media or simply personal memories.

Thank you, Paul, for such an open, inspiring and informative presentation. It was great to learn more about the person behind PTB Photography.

28/08/2026

Dave Semple of Semples Painting gave a wonderful presentation, sharing the story behind both his business and the journey that brought him here.

Growing up in Essex, Dave began his working life on the docks as a welder. When that work began to dry up, he turned his hand to painting and decorating, a decision that ultimately led him to build the successful business he runs today.

Dave also shared a lovely personal part of his story: meeting his beautiful wife, Faith, during a weekend in Bournemouth. As they say, the rest is history!

Today, Semples Painting offers professional interior and exterior painting and decorating services, bringing care, experience and a high-quality finish to every project.

It was great to hear Dave's inspiring journey and learn more about the person behind the business.

21/08/2026

Fantastic session at our networking meeting today with Mick Betteridge, who delivered a thought-provoking presentation on contingency planning for your business.

Mick got us all thinking about a question every business owner should ask themselves: how would your business function if something went wrong? From unexpected staff absences to supplier issues, technology failures, or worse, having a solid plan in place before a crisis hits can be the difference between a minor bump and a major setback.

It was a brilliant reminder that resilience isn't something you build in the moment - it's something you prepare for in advance.

Thank you to Mick for such a valuable and practical session, giving all of us plenty to think about when it comes to protecting what we've built.

10/08/2026

Member Monday - A chance for us to higlight one of our members and this week it is Peter Stockwell-Jones.

He has a message for
"Right now, when the temperature & sun are causing havoc to our wellbeing and comfort, don't suffer. Use an SPF30 sunscreen and if you still burn, use 'the burns plant' (Aloe vera) to soothe your skin. Check out these products at www.wessex-aloe.com

03/08/2026

Member Monday - A chance for us to highlight one of our members

This week, we are pleased to introduce Paul from Fix It Window & Door Repairs Co.ltd, a trusted local, FENSA-registered family business dedicated to delivering a professional, first-class service.

With over 40 years of experience, Paul specialises in the repair of double glazed windows and doors, including hinges, handles, locks, adjustments, tilt and slide, tilt and turn mechanisms, and replacing misted sealed units.

Fix-it also offers a wide range of additional services, from installing cat and dog flaps to providing ongoing window and door maintenance, as well as new installations of replacement windows and doors.

If you are looking for reliable expertise and quality workmanship, Paul is a fantastic contact to have within the network.

01/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome Ashley Crocker from Stress to Success as a guest speaker at our recent networking session.

Ashley delivered a truly insightful and thought-provoking talk focused on work life balance and the importance of understanding what genuinely makes us happy. He challenged us to reflect on why we work the way we do and whether it truly fulfils us.

One point that really stood out was how often people focus solely on achieving big work goals, believing that happiness will follow, rather than working on themselves along the journey. It certainly gave everyone plenty to think about.

Ashley also encouraged us to question our own stories and how they shape our behaviours, which definitely struck a chord and sparked some honest reflection in the room.

A powerful session that left a lasting impression - thank you, Ashley.

28/07/2026

Last week our Chairperson Maria Tidy organsed a joint social event with Leading Edge for a special event aboard the Dorset Queen with Dorset.

Bringing two networks together created a brilliant atmosphere, one full of great conversations, new connections, and plenty of opportunities to collaborate. Events like this really highlight the power of community and the value of building strong business relationships.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening so enjoyable.

These are just some of the amazing photos captured by one of our members, Paul Buttolph from PTB Photography - he truly captured the magical scenery of the evening.

Address

The Bridge House Hotel
Ferndown
BH229AN

Website

https://ferndownbusinessnetwork.com/

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