There was a buzz in the air at Sutton BNI on 24 February 2011. That came mostly from the visitors we had in the room.

Andrew Copithorne Crainey talked about his house building business, and mentioned he was let down over a carpeting job. Step forward, Spencer Taylor, of SWT Flooring – an instant referral for him!

Nicholas Paul, carpenter, was with us for the first time, and he picked up some referrals. Lesley Fairbrass introduced her Pride Services Group, which does cleaning and building maintenance, and promised another visit.

We also welcomed Andrew Scott, of Acorn Interiors, Adam Alexander, personal trainer, John Elliott-Nabarro, a Utility Warehouse distributor, and Philip Cartwright, of Exquisite Air Charter.

Visitors making a return visit were Steve Cheung – promoting his Plectrum Box business – and Andy Segal, of Martin & Clewes. Four Sutton BNI members have invested in the Los Pandos development in Spain, and last year some of us visited the development on a trip organised by Andy.

We passed 36 referrals, which is roughly double our recent levels.