Local Businesses Unite In Support Of Riot Victims

Online, September 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Businesses in South East London are joining forces to help other businesses in local communities affected by the riots last month. Business network group, BNI South East (SE) London, which represents nearly 300 small and medium sized businesses in the area, is holding a gala dinner to raise money for victims of the riots.

The event, which is open for anybody to attend, is being held at The Warren in Hayes, Bromley, on the evening of Thursday 29th September. The evening includes a three-course dinner, special guest speakers, live music and entertainment. There will be an auction and raffle on the night to raise money for riot victims, and all proceeds will go directly to those worst affected.

Adèle McLay, managing area director of BNI SE London said, "The whole country witnessed the horrific events in London in August, and the devastation it caused businesses and the community as a whole. Everybody locally knows somebody who has been directly affected. All our members are business men and women, and they were very keen to find a way to help other local businesses who have suffered hardship."

Paul Young of Millers Electrical in Anerley is the director of the BNI group in Beckenham and responsible for organising the event: "It promises to be a fantastic night and we are delighted to be able to support people in the local community who have been affected. The philosophy of BNI is 'givers gain', meaning those who give will benefit in return, and this is the perfect opportunity for us all to give generously."

BNI is the world's most successful business networking organisation, with over 110,000 members worldwide. Members meet once a week to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Last year BNI members in the UK exchanged nearly 700,000 referrals, leading to over £245 million of business. There are currently 16 BNI groups in the South East London area, with nearly 300 members representing a wide range of businesses.