Ilkley Business Network celebrates double success

Members of local business network BNI Enterprise in Ilkley are celebrating a double achievement as they enter their twentieth year of operating.

Since the group formed in 2003, members have collectively earned revenue totalling £44m, boosting the local economy and providing a networking platform to connect and support businesses across Ilkley and the wider Yorkshire region.

In addition, over the past four years the group has raised £30,000 for The Principle Trust, a charity which provides free respite holidays to children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse.

The figures were revealed on Thursday 30 June at The Ticket Office Bar, where businesses gathered to celebrate BNI Enterprise’s 19th anniversary.

Many of the group’s members are also patrons of the charity, including Sevensun, Candid HR, Candid Recruit, Print Crew, TaxAssist Accountants and Mortgages with Hannie & Co.

Established in 2011 by Ilkley businessman Mike Davies, MBE, The Principle Trust serves families throughout Yorkshire; between 2011 and 2021 The Trust provided free holidays to 4100 children. The charity owns and operates five holiday homes; two in the Lake District and three near Blackpool.

Acknowledging the group’s support, Mike commented, “Over the last decade the Trust has helped thousands of disadvantaged, disabled and poorly children to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories. The Trust’s 100% donations policy ensures every penny raised directly benefits children and their families and we are indebted to members of BNI Enterprise in Ilkley for their fantastic support.’

BNI committee member and director of Ilkley-based photographers, Soul & Co, Nicola Holmes said, “BNI Enterprise in Ilkley is a thriving, successful business network and we’re proud of our individual and collective achievements and the positive impact we have on the local economy. Through our support of the Principle Trust we are able to support needy families across Wharfedale, as well as further afield.”

An established part of Ilkley’s thriving business community, the group sponsored the 2022 Ilkley Business Awards and were founder members of Ilkley Business Forum, which supports businesses and retailers in the LS29 district.