A Friendly Bunch

We welcome all types of businesses, from sole traders to national companies from a diverse range of industries. We only allow one member per trade which means that as a member you are never in competition with anyone in the room.

Members are expected to attend the majority of BiiG meetings and in the case of absence seek to provide cover.

All members are expected to be an ‘active’ BiiG participant, getting to know your fellow members, seeking business leads for them and contributing to the meeting.

Below is an introduction to our members, a BiiG friendly bunch!

Andy Fox - Director at AF-IT

Andy Fox

Director

Andy formed af-it Limited in 2003 supporting small businesses with their IT, telephony and connectivity, cybersecurity and computing needs. Providing professional, and sensible IT and Telecoms support to the Southwest and beyond from our offices in Crewkerne, and satellite in north London.

af-it.com

01460 298197

07968 024118

[email protected]

Richard Franklin - Director at Purplebox Digital

Richard Franklin

Director

I Love BiiG because…

I enjoy face to face communication and building relationships with like minded local entrepreneurs to share our business knowledge and skills.

 

When I was a child I wanted to be

From an early age, my teachers spotted that I had a talent and a passion for computers, so it was always on the cards that my life would lead me in this direction.

Purplebox.digital

 01935 277960

[email protected]

Duncan McKechnie - Business and Executive Coaching at Action Coach Ilminster

Duncan McKechnie

Business and Executive Coaching

A retired South African Air Force Senior Officer, Helicopter Pilot and Flight Instructor, Duncan is a natural leader who doesn’t wait for things to happen, he makes things happen.


He spent fourteen years as a highly successful businessman in the Corporate Aerospace and Defence sector before deciding to give back to the community by joining the ActionCOACH Family as a Firm Owner and Senior Partner.


As a Business Growth Specialist, I will challenge you and hold you to account to bring about the changes needed to create the business you want to give you the life you deserve. I will help to make the complicated things in business simple, and ultimately help you make a lot more profit and get you back the time to enjoy the fruits of your success.


I firmly believe that the way to get our economy going again is for us all to support our local businesses and if I can help in any way please give me a shout!


BIIG Benefits me because…

My Vision is to make a positive impact on a thousand business in the South West over the next decade, BiiG is a wonderful way to meet business owners and in so doing give back to the community.


BiiG is a great group of like-minded business people going out of their way to help each other, the camaraderie is wonderful and although every one is serious about business there is time for light hearted banter and fun.

Action Coach

07792205850

[email protected]

Joe Stephenson - Financial Planner at Ballantine Wealth Management

Joe Stephenson

Financial Planner

I help and support individuals, families and business owners plan for their financial futures. I truly believe that a good understanding and relationship with money enables us to lead better, more fulfilled lives.

I like to help clients discover their life goals and will work with them to build a financial plan. A great deal of my time is spent helping people understand their pension, plan for retirement and helping them afford the retirement they want.

ballantinewm.co.uk

07900636363

[email protected]

Lorraine Bolland - Director at Old Mill Accountants

Lorraine Bolland

Director

I help ambitious business owners recognise their personal goals and objectives through business success. Often when I first meet a new client they talk in terms of past results without having a forward looking plan to follow. In understanding what is really important to them, and identifying what success would look like, I challenge my clients to ensure that all business decisions are perfectly aligned with personal goals and objectives.

om.uk

07817 491732

01935 709368

[email protected]

Sarah Young - Solicitor at Porter Dodson

Sarah Young

Solicitor

As an employment lawyer, Sarah specialises in delivering pragmatic advice to employers to resolve staffing issues and keep them out of the Employment Tribunal as well as supporting employees through work issues, negotiating settlements and bringing litigation where necessary. She also has a niche in advising Doctors surgeries locally and nationally on commercial issues such as mergers, integrated care and PCN structure, as well as the more traditional partnership agreement.

Porterdodsen.co.uk

01935 846763

[email protected]

Steve Redwood - Harper Dolman & West Insurance Ltd

Steve Redwood

Insurance Broker

I am very proud owner of Harper Dolman & West Insurance in my home town of Ilminster. As a business we are 100% independent, have access to a wide range of Insurers and can offer impartial advice on a wide range of Personal and Commercial Insurance products. We will come to your home or business to discuss your Insurances needs with you or if you would rather you can visit our office in East Street. Why not give me a call or send me an email and lets start a conversation.

Harper Dolman West

01460 53095

[email protected]

Ian Firth Director / Chartered Surveyor at Bondstones

Ian Firth

Director / Chartered Surveyor

Ian is a share-holder Director in Bondstones – specialists in rural planning and architecture.

 

Bondstones’ mission:

We are Rural. Our mission is to secure sustainable futures for our people*

By design we strive to deliver innovative architecture, property and planning solutions. Every day and at every level; we strive to improve value. We are most especially dedicated to working with land owners to make better use of redundant or underutilised property and land.

 

(*our team, our clients and those around us)

Bondstones

01823 210610

[email protected]

Ben Small - Mortgage Adviser at Auxilia Financial Services

Ben Small

Mortgage Adviser

By working with me, you’ll have access to over 50 mortgage lenders and some of the UK’s largest protection providers meaning you’ll find the right fit for your circumstances. We’ll talk through all your options so you can decide, knowing all the facts. Once you’ve chosen your preferred option, I will keep you in the loop about the progress of your application every step of the way!

Auxilia Financial Services

01823 210610

07810 068987

[email protected]

Kevin Smith - Director at PayDough.me

Kevin Smith

Director

Kev, PayDough.me is one of the only independent card payment companies in the South West. My main key differentiator is I work for you. I use my wealth of industry knowledge and contacts to lift the burden of card payments and provide you with ongoing hands-on support and bespoke services that you can only get with an independent business.

There are four critical dynamics to what I offer:

  • Payment Brokerage – Find you’re the right solution at the right price.
  • Transparent pricing – Real-world pricing and monitoring.
  • Ongoing service – Being there when you need it the most.
  • Flexibility – Upscale on your terms.

It’s payments, just not as you know it.

PayDough.me

07366 561 548

[email protected]