Today I have resigned as chairman of my breakfast group. It was with some reluctance and sadness, as I have enjoyed the position, but I felt it was time for fresh blood! There was also a feeling of relief as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

It’s an empowering experience being responsible for the smooth running of an organisation. I particularly enjoyed hosting the three Open Meetings which occurred whilst I was chair. As a group we got a lot of positive feedback from each event. My biggest compliment was from a serial networker who praised me for running the meeting efficiently and to a tight schedule. In fact he said it was the first meeting he had been to where all the participants kept to the allotted time!

It was difficult and frustrating at times, chairing through the recession as inevitably we lost members, however, we did recruit some new members as well.

I wish good luck to our new chair Robin Phelps, who I am sure will take the group forward with his vast business experience and wonderful sense of humour! Finally I would like to thank all the members for their help and assistance over the last 15 months.

On a cold winter’s morning when all you want to do is turn over and go back to sleep, why bother! I attend two breakfast meetings most weeks, sometimes I do wonder why… until I get there!

Every time it’s worth it, not because of the referrals I may get, but because it’s stimulating, entertaining and often good fun. It never ceases to amaze me how alive and switched on people can be that early. The meeting of like minds, discussing problems or success stories, football results and of course potential business opportunities, it’s all there.

Then there is the new contacts you meet, often they become friends, customers or suppliers; the guest speakers and the knowledge they have to impart; the members’ 10 minute presentations, often we learn so much more about their business; the camaraderie and support, free advise…

Who I am trying to convince, of course it’s worth bothering!