History

In December 2004 a group of local business men, assembled by BNI directors Kevin Horlock and Tim Fifield met for the first time at the Renaissance Hotel Gatwick Airport to commence the formation of a new BNI chapter.

The group were Chris Tomaszewski, a Chartered Accountant, Perminder Deusi, an Internet Consultant, Mark Cooper an Independent financial Advisor, Peregrine Lavington, a Solicitor, Mike Russell an Independent Mortgage Broker, Richard Smith an IT consultant, Chris Da Silva Skinner, a Utility Consultant , Sean Johnstone, a Print Manager. Ramesh Champaneria, a Management Consultant and Chris Payne an Electrical Contractor.

The name Diamond was given to the chapter as it represents the trading area of the group, the Crawley, Horley, Redhill diamond. The group continued to meet at the Renaissance Hotel each Tuesday in prelaunch and added Matt Evans, a Bank Manager, Mel Perry, a Recruitment Consultant , Kevin Forde, a Book Keeper and Chris Andrews, a Landscape Gardener to the fold.

The First Leadership Team were appointed:

  * Mark Cooper - Chapter Director
  * Peregrine Lavington - Membership Co-ordinator
  * Chris Tomaszewski - Secretary/Treasurer
  * Ramesh Champaneria - Education Co-ordinator

On 1st April 2005 the Diamond Chapter officially launched.
The Chapter moved to a new venue, The Russ Hill Hotel in Charlwood.
New members joined the group: Ian Ingle - Large Format Print, David Bingham - Insurance Broker and David Thompson, a Business Coach.
For business reasons Mark Cooper and Chris Payne left the group and the Independent Financial Advisor position was filled by Duncan Hales and Mark Haycock became our Electrical Contractor.
Perminder Deusi our Internet Consultant was replaced by his colleague Tim Fifield.
Chris Tomaszewski was awarded the coveted Blue Notable Networkers badge for the quantity and quality of his referrals.
By the end of the first term the chapter had passed 384 referrals.

The Leadership team for the next term was as follows;

  * Mike Russell - Chapter Director
  * Tim Fifield - Membership Co-ordinator
  * Kevin Forde - Secretary Treasurer
  * David Thompson - Education Co-ordinator

Chris Da Silva Skinner was appointed the Chapter’s first ever Events Co-ordinator.
Pergrine Lavington was awarded his coveted Blue Badge to recognise his achievements in bringing visitors to the chapter.

The Chapter out grew the Russ Hill Hotel and moved to the Redhill & Reigate Golf Club.
New members were, Nigel Emberson - Employment Law, Mike Lowe an Asset Financier and Ed Cadman a Graphic Designer.

The Chapter continued to flourish and during the 2nd term had passed a further 288 referrals between the members.

The Leadership team from 1st April 2006 were:

  * Tim Fifield - Chapter Director
  * Richard Smith - Membership Co-ordinator
  * Duncan Hales - Secretary/Treasurer
  * Mike Russell - Education Co-ordinator
  * Sean Johnstone - Events Co-ordinator

Due to catering difficulties it was necessary to relocate and temporary home was found at the Sky Lane Hotel , before moving on once again to the Holiday Inn, Gatwick Airport. Directly opposite the Renaissence Hotel where we started!

New member this term were Martyn Fowler, an Electrical Contractor, Chris Ickemeyer a Plumbing & Central Heating Engineer, Chris Sharville, a Graphic Designer and Mike Cuff a Photographer. During the third term referrals between the members continued and 287 were passed.

The Leadership Team for the forth term starting 1st October 2006 were:

  * Martyn Fowler Chapter Director
  * Chris Tomaszewski Membership Co-ordinator
  * Mike Russell Secretary/Treasurer
  * Tim Fifield Education Co-ordinator
  * Mike Cuff Events Co-ordinator

The Director’s Cup was introduced. A monthly award to the member with the highest aggregate of referrals x visitors. The first winner was in fact the Chapter Director Martyn Fowler, a case of leading from the front!

November 2006: We welcomed a new member Mike Redmond, Chartered Surveyor & property Consultant.
February 2007: We welcomed another new member Renya James, an Interior Designer.