What Is BNI
A smarter way to grow through business by referral.
Why Businesses Choose BNI?
BNI is the world’s largest business networking organisation, designed to help business owners grow through referrals, introductions, and long-term professional relationships.
Across South East London, BNI brings ambitious professionals together in structured networking groups where members support one another, share introductions, and help each other stay visible to the right people.
For businesses that want more than one-off networking events or unpredictable word of mouth, BNI offers a more focused and consistent route to growth — one built around recommendation, credibility, and strong professional connections.
What Does BNI Stand For?
BNI stands for Business Network International.
Founded in 1985, BNI has grown into a global organisation with members meeting every week to pass business opportunities, strengthen professional connections, and support one another’s growth.
For members in South East London, that means being part of a local business network backed by an internationally recognised brand, a proven structure, and a wider community of professionals focused on business growth.
BNI’s Mission
BNI’s mission is to help business owners create measurable growth through referrals, introductions, and trusted professional connections.
By connecting the right people and giving them a proven structure to support one another, BNI helps turn visibility into opportunity — and opportunity into revenue.
The Philosophy Behind BNI: Givers Gain®
A mindset built on contribution, not competition
This philosophy comes to life in BNI’s weekly meetings, where members regularly look for ways to support one another, pass opportunities, and help fellow businesses grow. It is not about turning up to take leads from the room. It is about contributing, building trust, and becoming part of a network where support and opportunity go hand in hand.
BNI Values
BNI is built on a set of core values that shape how members connect, support one another, and grow their businesses every week. At BNI, we’re Changing the Way the World Does Business®.
- Lifelong Learning
Keep developing your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a business owner.
- Traditions + Innovation
Build on what works while staying open to better ways of doing business.
- Positive Attitude
Surround yourself with people who want to see your business succeed.
- Building Relationships
Stronger business often starts with stronger professional connections.
- Accountability
Show up, follow through, and become part of a network people can rely on.
- Recognition
Celebrate contribution, progress, and the value members bring to the group.
BNI South East London At A Glance
BNI South East London is home to 16 local groups and 400+ members, with £20 million+ of business generated every year between them.
For prospective members, that means joining a well-established regional network where introductions, opportunities, and real business growth are already happening week in, week out.
Meet The BNI South East London Leadership Team
Greg Davies – Polaine
Executive Director
Greg knows he has the very best job in the world, in fact he feels slightly embarrassed about calling it a job.
Known as the Storyfella, he uses his passion for telling stories to help businesses and communities thrive, and people overcome limiting beliefs and avoidance behaviours.
After working in both large corporations and owning his own small business, he understands that working hard is sometimes unavoidable and necessary, but says “that’s ok, as long as we understand why we are doing it, and we surround ourselves with those people who inspire us to be better, every single day.”
A bestselling author, multi-award winning director of BNI, corporate trainer, and international inspirational speaker, Greg still finds time to drum with the mighty Goat Patrol and is a not so secret Disney fan, citing the first as the ultimate stress relief, and the second as his and Franky’s happy place.
David Frederick
David is an internationally renowned accountant and a highly respected business owner who has established himself in the local community as one of the most important financial professionals in his industry.
Hayley John-Charles
Hayley is a multi-award-winning director within BNI and still runs her highly successful travel business offering people access to their dream destinations.
Lisa Ellams
Lisa is a portfolio entrepreneur with a social conscience, running multiple waste removal and clearance companies with a focus on recycling and supporting the most vulnerable in our community.
Maggie Compton
Maggie is a hugely respected legal professional who also supports and ensures the success of all new members of our community.
Mark Amis
Mark owns and operates a number of local businesses based in the marketing space, ranging from promotional items to signage, he is also a local Councillor with a focus on enriching the lives of people in our region.
David Frederick
David is an internationally renowned accountant and a highly respected business owner who has established himself in the local community as one of the most important financial professionals in his industry.
Hayley John-Charles
Hayley is a multi-award-winning director within BNI and still runs her highly successful travel business offering people access to their dream destinations.
Lisa Ellams
Lisa is a portfolio entrepreneur with a social conscience, running multiple waste removal and clearance companies with a focus on recycling and supporting the most vulnerable in our community.
Maggie Compton
Maggie is a hugely respected legal professional who also supports and ensures the success of all new members of our community.
Mark Amis
Mark owns and operates a number of local businesses based in the marketing space, ranging from promotional items to signage, he is also a local Councillor with a focus on enriching the lives of people in our region.