Back Where It All Began – AffordaBid Joins BNI Discover
- Keeper of the Keys

- Aug 10
- 3 min read
Some things are worth coming back to.
After a break of around 17 years, I'm delighted to be re-joining BNI (Business Network International) as a member of the BNI Discover Chapter.
In many ways, it feels like coming home.
My original BNI journey began at the BNI Indigo Chapter. It was there that I learnt the value of building genuine relationships, and some of the people I met back then are still part of my professional life today.
One of those people is Jan McArd, who was a fellow member all those years ago.
Sixteen years later, we'll once again be sitting around the same table each week - but this time I'll be representing AffordaBid. It's a lovely reminder that good business relationships really can stand the test of time.

"It’s fantastic to see Gareth at BNI Discover after all these years, and it is a wonderful reminder of how strong business relationships can stand the test of time. That is what BNI is about: building trust, supporting one another and creating opportunities through genuine connections. I know Gareth will bring a wealth of experience and opportunities to the group and I’m looking forward to seeing AffordaBid become a huge success as a result of him being there" Jan McArd
Why BNI?
For anyone unfamiliar with BNI, it's the world's largest business networking organisations, built around one simple philosophy: Givers Gain®.
It's not about hard selling. It's about building trusted relationships, supporting other local businesses and creating opportunities by helping one another.
That approach fits perfectly with everything we're trying to build at AffordaBid.
Great for AffordaBid… Even Better for Our Clients
Buying or selling property often involves much more than simply finding a buyer.
Clients regularly need trusted professionals, from solicitors and mortgage advisers to surveyors, tradespeople and accountants.
Being part of a network like BNI means we can introduce clients to respected local businesses we know and trust, helping to make the whole process that little bit easier.
Building Relationships at BNI Discover, Not Just Business
One of the things I enjoyed most about BNI the first time around wasn't simply the referrals - it was the people.
Weekly meetings became something I genuinely looked forward to, and many of those relationships have lasted for years.
Re-joining after such a long time feels surprisingly familiar, and I'm excited to meet new members while catching up with some familiar faces.
A New Chapter for AffordaBid
AffordaBid is still a young business with big ambitions, and I genuinely believe becoming part of BNI again is another positive step in that journey.
I'm looking forward to sharing the AffordaBid story, supporting fellow members wherever I can and becoming an active part of the local business community once again.
Here's to new opportunities, old friendships and an exciting new chapter.
Fancy Seeing BNI Discover in Action?
If you’re curious about BNI, why not come along as a visitor and experience a meeting for yourself? You’ll meet local business owners, see real business and referrals being passed between members, and get a feel for how the relationships are built. Get in touch with me and I’ll happily invite you along, or use this link to register your interest in visiting the chapter.

