We're only as good as our network and our ability to refer business to one another. So here are some testimonials about our members, and about the business networking group we're part of generally. Because the proof really is in the pudding.
Testimonials about BNI London Kensington
BNI has been a key element of my firm's business development programme and the return on investment has made it a no-brainer.
John Leyden - Chartered Accountants
BNI has given me a lot of confidence to build my company so that it is in a much better position than it used to be; not only because of the referrals I receive but also thanks to the support and help of the BNI London Kensington members.
Bernd Radaschitz - Joinery and Bespoke Fitted Interiors
BNI is an integral part of my business. It has proven invaluable in generating new business and I have found not only excellent suppliers to use and refer but an inner circle of trusted friends.
Shainul Kassam - Solicitor
I value being a member of BNI very highly. Not only do I get ongoing business from members of the Palace Chapter but also from some of their clients too. I also value the weekly breakfast meeting where there is always a lively and free exchange of business advice and ideas.
Jeff Windsor - Print Management and Printing
Lots of professions under one roof – how convenient is that? If only I’d known about BNI when I started The Kensington Magazine it would have saved so much time and energy and there is no doubt it would have kick started the business. For me it’s the best thing that’s ever happened and it’s on the doorstep.
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
BNI has been an invaluable, cost effective, and fun way of attracting more business. The group’s varied contact base has enabled us to access new business opportunities which would have taken years on our own and we’ve been able to incorporate a number of the members into our own offerings to enhance the service we provide.
Jo Eccles - Residential Property Search
I didn’t think it would work. I thought it would be full of boring, local, parochial, grey-suited accountant types who could do nothing to help me grow my marketing consultancy. How wrong can you be? I invoiced over £10,000 in revenue over the first 9 months alone. There is an accountant in the group but he wears leathers and rides a motorbike!
Pam Vick - Marketing and Business Development Consultancy
I have only been a member for a little over two months, but recognized the potential from my very first meeting. After only 8 meetings, I've received 5 very good referrals, and I know that even better things are just around the corner. To anyone thinking about joining: Stop thinking and do it! Here is how I look at it: I have spent 100% of my time and effort in expanding my business, but that will only get me to a certain point. By participating in this program, I now have access to a whole new network of business people, all of whom will help me build my business, just as I work to help them with theirs.
Marcin Kuszewski - Cleaning & Restoration Services
Give us a try Leave us your details or call Dave Millett on 0208 912 0845
Testimonials about our members
Pam Vick
“Pam, owner and MD of Caspia Consultancy, is our lead marketing and business development consultant, helping us to develop and grow our company INTERIOR-iD. Her consultancy started with advice on the launch of INTERIOR-iD last year in the UK and now continues with our plans to push the company to the next level of successful growth – her support through this current economic climate is essential and indispensable for us.
It all started with the development of a business development strategy and marketing plan which act as our pathway in terms of where we want to get to and how to get there – we can follow this internally as well as continuing with Pam’s ongoing consultancy. The marketing plan includes various marketing “tools” and “packages” to choose from depending on the budget and investment we want to make at any given time, ideal for a start-up business. She is not only a strong marketing consultant for SMEs but also an experienced corporate consultant who is just the right person to help a growing company."
Bernd Radaschitz,
Director of Interior-ID
Bernd Radaschitz - Joinery and Bespoke Fitted Interiors
Pam Vick
"Just to let you know I have signed up the solicitors who contacted me through Google - £1,650 per annum fees so not too bad!!
Keep the enquiries coming in please and thanks for the work so far!!!!!"
John Leyden - Chartered Accountants
Adam Neal
We are a small magazine company based in Kensington with mainly freelance staff. However, after four years we decided, on the advice of our accountant, to set up a Pension Scheme.
We had been recommended Bigmore Associates by several of our clients. We met Adam Neal of Bigmore Associates and after an hour or so he had a clear understanding of our needs.
Another meeting was held in which Adam went through the various options; we decided on a particular one and within a couple of weeks it was all set up. The whole process was professional and comprehensive - as a result we feel confident we have the right policy for our needs.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Bigmore Associates in any matters related to financial planning.
Yours faithfully
Lucy M Elliott Editor, The Kensington Magazine
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
Benedict Bull
Benedict Bull is quite simply an expert in his field (and also an expert in a field). He provides stunning value for the prices that he charges, and we found that he has a very flexible way of being engaged. We have asked Ben to give our garden the 'once over'. The walkabout we did with him was worth the money in itself as he re-affirmed where we had good and bad ideas. His suggestion of beech hedging is likely to save us money that would pay his fees many times over.
While we are out of his preferred catchment he was still happy enough to undertake the review and will consider further works for us in due course.
I will happily recommend his services and would urge anyone to give him the opportunity if you have not already done so.
Adam Neal - Independent Financial Advisor
John Leyden
It has been some years since I have provided written testimony to the quality of the service provided by John Leyden and his staff at Carbon Accountancy.
We rarely fail to provide John with a client who is not a challenge - either in terms of the complexity of their arrangements, their personality, or the time that they demand for the price they pay. In each and every occasion Carbon have performed their duties and agreed undertakings with our clients to the highest possible standard whilst providing excellent value.
This reflects very positively on us (having made the referral to our clients) and means we become ever more confident in referring Carbon Accountancy.
Adam Neal - Independent Financial Advisor
John Leyden
A quick note to say a very big thank you for helping set up Monkey Party Ltd so quickly. Painless, easy and remarkably fast, I couldn't ask for a better service!
Tom Simnett - Web Developer
Lucy Elliott
“The Kensington Magazine is a great way to promote our business in the local neighbourhood of Kensington. We have used the magazine for advertising and we were just amazed how much effort and professionalism Lucy puts herself every month into this informative magazine. We can highly recommend Lucy’s magazine if you want to get your name known in the borough of Kensington”.
Bernd Radaschitz - Joinery and Bespoke Fitted Interiors
Jeff Windsor
“ We have been working with Windsor Jennings more or less since we set up in the UK. They handle all of our stationery and promotional work which like our products has to be highly bespoke and top quality. I have to say that I have never been disappointed in their service delivery”.
Bernd Radaschitz - Joinery and Bespoke Fitted Interiors
Barny Lucas
I am cynical by nature about medical treatments that do not involve scalpels or large doses of chemicals. That’s why after many years of severe lower back problems and various attempts to solve the condition over time, including spinal cortisone surgery, I had resigned myself to taking anti-inflammatory painkillers every day.
When Barny joined BNI and offered a special rate trial period of chiropractic sessions, I was still dubious but hey, a bargain is a bargain. So I signed up for a series of 12 treatments. At first, I thought it was all rather too “alternative” for me. I couldn’t figure out among other things how Barny could tell anything by simply stroking various parts of my spine and then the sides of my head. Weird or what? But the adjustments did seem to make a difference. I stopped taking my pain killers the first day I saw Barny, as an experiment. 3 months later and I haven’t had to take them again. Not once.
The difference is very noticeable. I have little pain now and my back and neck are definitely more flexible. I am signing up for another set of 12 sessions and plan to continue. Some people say that it’s expensive, but it’s actually saving me money in terms of the expensive private anti-inflammatory prescriptions.
Thanks Barny, I’m a convert.
Pam Vick - Marketing and Business Development Consultancy
Shainul Kassam
Shainul, I met recently with D.Mc who was introduced to you by me last year – and then probably re-introduced via Carbon Accountancy whom I had also put him in touch with.
Though he is a long way from having any kind of result or success he did remark that he felt comfortable and confident with you and your services. While he may not be an individual accustomed to paying the level of professional fees involved he has grasped the point that these fees are his way of investing for the potential of a significantly higher settlement figure at the end of the process…….and in return for those fees he knows he is getting a very high standard of care and service.
Thank you very much for the care you are taking over our referral – your good service reflects very well on us.
Adam Neal - Independent Financial Advisor
Barny Lucas
I went to Barny a week or so ago with excruciating back pain and fearful that I'd never do triple backflip somersaults ever again. He not only eased the pain, but the pain had entirely disappeared and he now has the task of sorting out my lingering upper back pain which I'm sure he will do with aplomb. I highly recommend Barny for Chiropractic work.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Mark Brumell
Mark was available recently to do some work for me and he proved very accommodating and highly adept at the work and I would highly recommend Mark to anyone.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Adam Neal
Adam continues to be a wise old sage in the world of finance and he has even helped me make decisions for my business which are outside of his remit. He is also fast becoming confidante to a lot of my good friends and also sidling up to my ex girlfriend which I find highly suspicious. Anyway, highly highly recommend Adam to anyone for anything.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Mark Brumell
"I, Benedict Bull, Director of Smart Landscapes, a landscape gardening company based in Kensington, London, am very pleased with the photographs supplied by Mark Brumell Photography. On two separate assignments, Mark has arrived on time and completed within our agreed schedule and budget, having shot a fantastic series of photos; firstly some portrait shots and a secondly of a recently planted private garden. Mark hand selected a short list which we viewed, discussed and he then produced in both high and low resolution for print and web usage. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Mark Brumell Photography. This is a top quality photographic outfit and service. The process was very enjoyable, effortless and rewarding. It has proved a very important and direct means of communicating the nature of my work in promoting the role of greenery in the city, and showing how we increase the mass of viridity in our city."
Benedict Bull - Landscape Gardener
Jeff Windsor
This is a testimonial for Jeff Windsor. I gave Jeff some ludicrous deadlines and some difficult display work to do recently as given to me by a client and he proved himself to be up to the challange and delivered everything on or before time.
On top of this he even rolled his sleeves up and helped set the displays up to ensure that the whole process went smoothly and without hitch. It goes without saying that I would have no hesitation in recommending Jeff as a printer.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Jason Cobine
This is a testimonial for Jason Cobine. Jason hs helped me with two insurance issues in the last month, one for my house and one for my business. In both cases he proved himself diligent and wise.
In the case of my house he managed to insure like for like and then some on the old policy and in the meantime saving myself and the other flats nearly £400.
In the case of my work he has patiently listened while I have changed the brief several times and has come up with a good all round cover for cheaper than his original estimate. It goes without saying that I would have no hesitation in recommending Jason as an Insurance Broker.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
John Leyden
"The Kensington Magazine has been running for nearly five years. A couple of years ago we identified a need to have an accountancy firm who understood the way smaller businesses run, which is entirely different from larger businesses. We also knew that in about twelve months time we would need advice on how to set up the business as a Limited Company.
Of course there are many accountancy firms to chose from, but we were impressed by John Leydon of Carbon Accountancy. No spin, no jargon, just reassurance about the process, and, importantly for a small business, reasonable and realistic fees.
As if this wasn’t enough, John and his team are always at the end of the phone and available to answer niggly questions sent to try us by HMRC. This is not charged for separately as is usual by other accountancy firms.
John took us through two completed Annual Returns and then steered us through our Limited Company process, advising and dealing with Companies House and all the relevant paperwork.
To anyone looking for an accountant who is not only professional but extremely generous with his time and advice I would highly recommend Carbon Accountancy."
Lucy M Elliott Editor, The Kensington Magazine
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
Shainul Kassam
"The Kensington Magazine is a small publication which has been running for nearly five years.
Originally we were part of a franchise and needed guidance and assistance as to how to part from that franchise, set up as an independent business and re-brand.There are many law firms that we could have used, but we were particularly impressed with Fortune Law as they seemed to understand the needs of a small business very well. Shainul Kassam was extremely helpful in giving advice, particularly on issues such as clauses and restrictions written in ‘small print’. Her knowledge is extremely impressive and she has a very personable approach. Her skill is being able to communicate legal jargon to those not familiar with corporate law and throughout the process we felt entirely confident with the advice given.
We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Fortune Law to any business seeking corporate legal advice and in fact have already recommended them to another client."
Lucy M Elliott Editor, The Kensington Magazine
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
Benedict Bull
"The Kensington Magazine is a small publication working from offices in Kensington Church St. We have an outside area which has little, if any, direct sun light. When we have clients visit us, we want the courtyard to look appealing. Its main difficulty is that it has very little direct sunlight.
Impressed with Benedict Bull of Smart Landscapes’ credentials we approached Benedict to see if there was any salvation for this courtyard area, surrounded as it is on three sides by a five storey building. Our brief was simple - just to make it more appealing and to have plants which were better suited to a shady environment. We discussed the option of wooden trellises, various types of ivy which might work, variations of annuals, evergreens and deciduous plants and small shrubs. He came up with some great ideas which we had not thought of.
Furthermore a few days later we received a schedule itemising all suitable plants and not only that but with suggestions of where to buy them from.
The brief may not have sounded very much, but the way that Benedict advised and clearly knew so much, was very impressive.
If you have a need for anyone who knows a tremendous amount about plants, planting, landscaping, the history of gardens, this is your man!
I would have no hesitation in recommending Benedict and his company Smart Landscapes, for jobs big or small."
Lucy M Elliott Editor, The Kensington Magazine
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
Jeff Windsor
"The Kensington Magazine is a small monthly publication. We have many clients who ask us to prepare their advertisements for them. This we can do very easily and with great results. However, when it came to ourselves requiring an advertisement we were stumped.
So, having heard great things about Windsor Jennings, and in particular Jeff Windsor’s ability to use words in a very clever way, we asked him. His brief (and it was brief) was to come up with something which would encourage potential clients to use The Kensington Magazine as a means of promoting their business to a Kensington audience.
We were extremely impressed. On his first draft Jeff came up with something that was perfect. The approach, tone and clarity of message was exactly what we were looking for. I have seen other examples of his work that has been used for a national campaign and it is extremely clever.
It is for both the reasons above that we would have no hesitation in recommending Windsor Jennings to any business looking to get their message across in an unusual but clever way with a minimum of fuss."
Lucy M Elliott Editor, The Kensington Magazine
Lucy Elliott - Magazine Publisher
Barny Lucas
"In giving a testimonial for the services of Barny Lucas I should stress at the outset that I am a big cynic of alternative treatments for health problems. However, having visited his practice over the past couple of months for treatment on a long standing pain in my hip I am amazed at how the treatment has helped.
Not only has it eased what was an almost continual ache, he has created an overall general improvement in my body, health and sleeping.
Add to that his very professional attitude and the explanation of what is being done and how it is working to treat not just the symptoms but the causes.
I would strongly recommend that anyone either seeking a chiropractor or looking for a new alternative for a long standing should try the services of ML Chiropractic in Fulham."
Dave Millett - Telecom Broker
Hilton Shaw
"I just wanted to say “thank you” for all your recent hard work and to put in writing my appreciation for your services to date.
You initially came to do some work on a property we were living in which had inherited bad pipework. You quickly located the faults together with serious flaws in the work a previous company had undertaken and fixed them and more. Since then you have installed new pipework and plumbing and a boiler in this property and carried out plumbing repairs to our new house.
You are always on time, to budget, a great chap and available at all hours. I cannot recommend you highly enough. As you know I have referred you to friends and business contacts and will continue to do so. Your services are and continue to be much appreciated."
Shainul Kassam - Solicitor
Shainul Kassam
"This is a testimonial for Shainul Kassam of Fortune Law.
I gave Shainul two bits of work recently, one for my Ts and Cs and one for a contract for a freelancer that I will be using from now on. Shainul listened to the problem, talked me through the options and was upfront with the costings. She handed the job to her colleague who was excellent and very thorough in dealing with my requests and she even filled in for him when he away.
I have, as yet, not been sued since these were done and so we can consider that her work was a success! BUT I do not expect to be sued ever as a result of her watertight work and I would have no hesitation in recommending Shainul and Fortune Law."
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Marcin Kuszewski
This is a testimonial for Marcin. Marcin came on Saturday to clean my old and buggered carpets and he did a really good job. He came in at twice the price of a previous carpet cleaner I have used but he stayed for about four times as long, was incredibly thorough and hard working and even managed to get stain out that I was told would never come out. I would have no hesitation in recommending Marcin as a carpet cleaner.
Mike Kammerling - Graphic Designer
Jeff Windsor
Dear Jeff
Thank you very much for the business cards. I just wanted to compliment you on your quality of printing. I appreciate the efforts you made and way you treated us, despite our small order. Needless to say I am very happy and I wanted you to know that I will have no hesitation in choosing Windsor Jennings for our future printing needs. I've had a few prints done before from other companies; however your results were far superior. Thanks again for your services.
Marcin Kuszewski - Cleaning & Restoration Services
Mike Kammerling
Dear Mike,
Late as usual, but thanks for the excellent job you did on the invites for the joint September event for Carbon, Fortune and Bigmore VIP clients. As you know, the clients weren't at first sure why we needed a hard copy invite but after the compliments they received on this one I know they won't be unsure next time. The design and printing matched the brief exactly - classy, stylish, very upmarket and ready to be shown off on the mantlepiece or office desk. Thanks again.
Pam
Pam Vick - Marketing and Business Development Consultancy
Zoe Palmer-Wright
Dear Zoe,
I just wanted to say thanks for being such a great nutritional bully. You really do know your stuff and I continue to be more and more impressed every time I see you – that’s when I am not hiding from you because I have been bad and not been following your advice!
Your advice is based on proper grown up knowledge, facts and figures and you have completely wiped from my mind any thought of nutritionists as “alternative” or in any way just for humourless, holier-than-thou, dull people I would cross the road to avoid.
You are doing a great job with me and I will try to do better myself!
Pam Vick - Marketing and Business Development Consultancy
Marcin Kuszewski
Dear Marcin,
Thank you for the wonderful job you did on the carpets at 39 Queen’s Gardens. I thought I had dark brown carpets there and not lovely gold coloured ones! You were so thorough and dedicated compared to other carpet cleaners I have used (and I have used many!) as well as much more knowledgeable.
I particularly appreciated how you really moved and piled up all the furniture to get behind and under everything, where other carpet cleaners have just cleaned around things.
You may have cost a little more but I will be using you from now on as the results were so much better and the service so much better as well.
Pam
Pam Vick - Marketing and Business Development Consultancy
Marcin Kuszewski
I just wanted to send you a written testimonial regarding your services. Please do feel free to use this in promotional material should you require.
“I have used Marcin’s services on a number of occasions in my home. His services have included carpet cleaning, re-grouting and colouring in both kitchen and bathroom areas and our outdoor patio area.
More importantly however, Marcin managed to bring back to life both the woodwork and upholstery of a well loved, third generation Parker Knoll armchair. Marcin is very professional and personable and he has produced excellent results. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Marcin”.
Shainul Kassam - Solicitor
Jeff Windsor
This letter is to give thanks to Jeff Windsor for an excellent service provided to Steffan Interiors. He not only adapted quickly to my requirements but also carried out the work efficiently but also in a very customer friendly manner.
No fuss - just getting on with things in hand and prompt delivery.
Colette Hoepli - Interior Designer
Charlie Knight
I, Benedict Bull, Director of Smart Landscapes, a landscape gardening company based in Kensington, London, am very pleased with fitness services provided by Charlie Knight of Aspire Fitness.
Charlie works out of a very plush gym in Baker Street that is easy to get to and well appointed. And we got stuck in straight away which was positive. Charlie provided immediate value for money in getting us warmed up and working muscle groups key to my job without so much as a word from me.
In addition to this robust and friendly physical regimen Charlie showed a very perceptive and sensitive side to his personal training programme, that marks it out as exceptional. Charlie identified an old knee injury and proceeded to loosen the fascia in my left knee, calf and foot. I felt like I was walking on air then. He revealed a great depth of knowledge of muscle therapy, of IASTM [instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization] that evolved out of a martial arts technique using a gua sha board.
He showed amazing insight into the role of the foot in the body as the first point of contact with the ground I was amazed how one so young he could know so much.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Charlie Knight and Aspire Fitness to anyone who has a body and a desire to look after it. This is a top quality training outfit and excellent service. The process was very enjoyable, and rewarding. I intend to keep up the process with Charlie and leave behind me the old foot and with Charlie’s help put the best one forward one day at a time.
Benedict Bull - Landscape Gardener
Zoe Palmer-Wright
I, Benedict Bull, Director of Smart Landscapes, a landscape gardening company based in Kensington, London, am very pleased with my treatment at the hands of Zoe Palmer Wright. I have benefitted greatly from her advice and recommendations as with increased work commitments this year my eating habits had declined somewhat.
Following the consultations I have realized a desire to eat better, and have a resolve to adopt her suggested improvements to my diet one day at a time. The process began with a guided detox programme including an eight day fast with two preliminary days and three post fast days.
One immediate benefit was the removal of a lot of mucus from my head and neck and chest. The combination of bentonite clay and psylium and the salt water flushes were very helpful in cleaning the stomach, and increasing vigour and reducing tension in the muscles and improving skin tone.
I have not followed through on very well this week as I come back tired from work and enjoyed more starches than is advisable these last two days. However I am not disheartened and am resolved to continue to take each day one at a time and to eat more greens and order more fresh vegetables and review each month. Tonight I bought some spinach and chilies. Luckily we are living proof and there is nowhere to hide, it is all plain to see in the body when we meet each week so there is no hiding.
I have no hesitation in recommending Zoe’s excellent naturopathic and nutritional service to anyone who wants to eat more intelligently and improve the quality of their life. I want to get my Mum to see her. We are very lucky to have her in our group.
Benedict Bull - Landscape Gardener
Give us a try Leave us your details or call Dave Millett on 0208 912 0845