This morning was our first meeting of 2021 and by ‘Zoom’. In fact, it was our ‘AGM’ so we had wide ranging discussions about the group and how we go forward in unusual times.

Since we have been holding meetings by Zoom (since the first lockdown) we have all valued each other’s ‘company’ and support. It is clearly a different experience from meeting for a hearty breakfast at ‘The Dukes’ but still we learn from each other and enjoy the comaraderie we have built up (some of us over several years).

Because we all value the face-to-face meetings, we decided in the first lockdown that we would not encourage new members to join – because we felt that it would be difficult for them to get the ‘vibe’ of the group by Zoom. This morning, in ‘Lockdown 3′, we reflected on the fact that there may be sole-trader businesses, in particular, in Leighton Buzzard who are struggling and may well value the contact and support that this group gives (even though we are not a traditional networking and business generation group). So new members are welcome and hopefully in time we will soon get to meet some over breakfast.

I think it is a testament to us all that although many networking groups have folded or been put on hold, we all commit to Wednesday mornings and go to our businesses better for it.