Business for Breakfast networking franchise in new hands

Eric Henshaw bought the franchise in 2008 after leaving his role as managing director of The Bolton News and has made it an important part of local business life. Now, he and wife Lorraine are taking time out to travel “and have a simpler life,” he said.

Taking over is Tony Hayes — already Regional Director for BforB around parts of Greater Manchester and an experienced networker.

He will be adding the four local groups to his other portfolio of groups in Whitefield, Rochdale, Tameside, Bury, Oldham and Stockport where thousands of pounds worth of business goes between members.

The four local groups meet every other Monday at 6.15pm at Bolton Whites Hotel at Middlebrook, every other Wednesday from 6.45am at the Mercure Georgian House Hotel in Blackrod and every other Thursday at 6.45am at the Mercure Last Drop Hotel in Bromley Cross. There is also a lunchtime group for local businesswomen that meets at Bolton Whites Hotel at 12.15pm every other Tuesday.

Mr Henshaw said: “We were really glad to sell the business to Tony, an experienced regional director who also runs Bury telecoms business Diamond Solutions UK Ltd.

“We have met some great business people in our groups over the years, many of whom have become friends. And while we are selling the business, we’re staying on as local directors until the end of November to ensure a smooth handover and we will remain members to develop our print business. We wish Tony every success for the future.”

Mr Hayes has been a regional director for the last eight years and seen his groups prosper.

“Business for Breakfast is all about getting to know, like and trust your fellow members,” he said. “This enables them to pass on quality business referrals in a relaxed atmosphere.

“Every type of business can benefit from networking and I am really looking forward to working with local members in growing the BforB groups.”

l To find out more details, go to the website networkingeastmanchester.co.uk.