Case Studies
It’s always good to know someone feels the same as you did when you are starting your business journey. Let our members share their stories with you.
Ryan Austin - Big One Marketing
Around 18 months ago, Ryan attended a We Are In Business event and met fellow member Nicola. They hit it off immediately, and what started as a simple networking conversation soon led to an introduction that would have a significant impact on his business.
Nicola introduced Ryan to her mum, Helen, who was the Administration and Finance Manager at Elite Education Group. Helen arranged a meeting with the group's Director, Ryan Hudson, and from there the relationship quickly developed.
Today, Big One Marketing manages all the marketing for the Elite Group, which includes four companies and continues to grow.
"This equates to a healthy income for our agency."
A second opportunity followed around 12 months ago after Ryan met another attendee at one of our Leeds events. During their conversation, he learned about a business in the workwear industry that was looking for graphic design support.
Following a warm introduction, Ryan met with the business and initially helped with graphic design and website work. Over the following year, that relationship continued to grow.
Today, Big One Marketing supports the business with SEO, marketing strategy, social media marketing and email marketing, creating an ongoing partnership rather than a one-off project.
"None of this would have been possible without your event.
One Connection Can Change Everything
Julie Makin - Montrose Brown Law
Julie joined We Are In Business around two years ago and, like many members, initially hoped to make new connections and generate opportunities for her business.
Since then, she has received direct referrals from fellow members, helping clients with their home moves and conveyancing needs. But for Julie, the value of membership has gone far beyond the referrals themselves.
One of the most valuable opportunities came through an introduction to a Property Investor. That connection has opened the door to a wider network of clients who require conveyancing support, creating an ongoing source of business opportunities.
"One particularly great introduction was to a Property Investor whose clients I can now help with their conveyancing needs."
Alongside the business generated through the community, Julie has also experienced something many of our members talk about: the support that comes from being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
Whether it's sharing advice, offering encouragement during challenging times or helping to solve problems, the relationships built through We Are In Business often become just as valuable as the business opportunities themselves.
"I've received support from members during tough times and received invaluable advice."
For Julie, that's what makes the community different from many traditional networking groups.
"Being a member of We Are In Business is more like extending your own team rather than your standard networking group."
More Than Just Referrals
Luke Senior - Right Path mortgages
Like many business owners, our member had spent years networking but had gradually drifted away from it. Joining We Are In Business provided an opportunity to reconnect with other local business owners in a friendly, welcoming environment and start building new relationships again.
"In the previous couple of years I had drifted off networking a little, so it was good to join a friendly networking group and establish some new connections. Hopefully we'll be able to help each other both now and in the future."
One connection in particular quickly demonstrated the value of being part of the community. After being introduced to another member who needed advice about a potential remortgage, a meeting was arranged at exactly the right time.
Interest rates were due to increase the following day, meaning swift action was needed. By meeting when they did, our member was able to help the client secure a deal immediately, saving them around £50 per month compared to waiting until a later date.
Beyond individual opportunities, being part of We Are In Business has reminded them of the wider benefits that regular networking can bring.
"It has made me rediscover the benefits of meeting people regularly. Some people may not be obvious referral partners, but they can suggest a different approach or perspective that you hadn't considered, and that can bear fruit later."
When asked what they would say to someone considering joining We Are In Business, their answer perfectly reflects what we aim to create:
"Attend some of the meetings. The members are friendly, down to earth, with a distinct lack of obvious 'fake' behaviour, all of which appeals to me. There isn't any pressure to pass referrals, so you can invest time in getting to know other members and explore how you can potentially help each other."