Purposeful and Practical Support
CAP Business Clubs is based at the Main Place, Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Offering an excellent networking opportunity for local businesses to acquire valuable contacts, share knowledge and generate new business leads. Meetings are held once a week (per club) to discuss challenges, share information and learn new techniques. With three clubs to choose from it's easy to make CAP the best way to start or end your working day!
Hi, I'm Paul James, founder of CAP Business Clubs.
I have a passion for networking and provide an affordable networking environment for small businesses in the Forest of Dean and surrounding area. My mission is simple; to facilitate weekly meetings to help others gain useful contacts, valuable knowledge and help generate quality leads. In short - Collaborate And Prosper.
Networking is a fantastic opportunity to achieve faster and more efficient growth when used properly. Here at CAP we have everything from start ups to the well established and experienced...and everything in between. Members work together for mutual benefit, recommending to others with confidence.
It truly is a pleasure to be a part of this fantastic journey, I'm always happy to chat if you think there is a fit for you. Why not give me a call on 01594 723120 or 07811 981929 for a no obligation chat.
I have a passion for networking and provide an affordable networking environment for small businesses in the Forest of Dean and surrounding area. My mission is simple; to facilitate weekly meetings to help others gain useful contacts, valuable knowledge and help generate quality leads. In short - Collaborate And Prosper.
Networking is a fantastic opportunity to achieve faster and more efficient growth when used properly. Here at CAP we have everything from start ups to the well established and experienced...and everything in between. Members work together for mutual benefit, recommending to others with confidence.
It truly is a pleasure to be a part of this fantastic journey, I'm always happy to chat if you think there is a fit for you. Why not give me a call on 01594 723120 or 07811 981929 for a no obligation chat.
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Meeting Times
Monday: 8.00am - 9.00am Tuesday: 6.15pm - 7.15pm Thursday: 8.00am - 9.00am |
To start networking with CAP Business Clubs - Mail us or call 01594 723120 (Membership subject to availability) Guests welcome - Two visits for free! Call to apply |
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Is CAP Business Clubs for you?
We are looking for like minded small business owners in the Forest of Dean and surrounding area. Experience has shown us that positive people, who get things done and are happy to help others, makes for an unbeatable team that can achieve the best results. Our members range from business start ups to the highly experienced......and it works! Here’s what to expect
Here’s what we expect from you
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Latest Podcast Marcella Pierabella from Forest Wills and Estate Planning talks about the importance of making a Will. As always, Marcella's knowledge and passion for this subject shines through.
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What our members say
Sarah Orchard - Orchard Marketing Associates
Joining CAP has been one of my best business decision for 2018 (and no doubt 2019 too!). I love being part of the Monday CAP group – we have a supportive and fun group that have been really helpful in helping my business relocate to the Forest of Dean and provide some great business ‘friends’. I look forward to Monday mornings. Don’t be put off by the 8am start, it’s worth it!!
Rachel Bate - Rachel's Rambling Rovers
On moving to a new/unknown area and setting up my new dog walking business, I soon realised that I had set myself quite a challenge. On learning about the CAP networking group, I went along as a visitor as soon as I could and discovered an amazing friendly group of other similar minded and sized business owners that would be a huge benefit to me - not only for meeting new people in a new area but also making great friends, benefitting from the wealth of local and small business knowledge within the group and also having a great reason to get up on a Monday morning! If you're a new small business owner and/or new to the Forest of Dean and looking for ways to meet great people and tradesmen alike, give CAP a try, what have you got to lose? -
Deborah Iles - The Garden Room Holistic Therapies
I would just like to say a big Thank you for your CAP business networking group.
I came as a guest on three occasions, visiting all three clubs before joining a few months later.
I had no pressure put onto me and was made to feel really welcome in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
Since being a member my fledgling business has grown and I have had the help, advice and professionals on hand to further develop it. I would recommend any business to come and see what it's all about...
Paul is a great enabler and has created an informal friendly platform for local businesses to flourish.
THANK YOU Paul and many thanks to the members who have been so helpful!
Michael Jones - PI Digital Signage
“As new to business and a young age I have found CAP business Club as helpful in many ways, from the most basic to the more important things. With all the different business within the club and all with their own skills they are all happy to help where they can. I would recommend the club to any business. I just want to thank all the people that help me so far to get started.”
Charles Scott
I’m not a great fan of business groups and networking meetings in general. They are just things that one feels that one has to endure in order to promote one’s business. Hence, when I accepted the invitation to go along to the CAP Thursday club shortly after moving into the area last February, it was with at best an open mind. What a breath of fresh air the club proved to be. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and other members made me feel at home straight away. Over the following months, I found that people were keen to help wherever they could. Doors were opened and opportunities presented that may never have materialised without CAP membership. I have no hesitation in recommending other businesses to CAP. The membership fee could hardly be more modest and you can come free as a guest before making a decision. There is no pressure regarding either membership or ‘performance’ as is the case with some organisations such as BNI. If you have a business in the Forest or are in the process of starting one, this is the forum for you.
Chris Adams - AD Fitness
"I would highly recommend CAP Business Club to other small business. As a new small business myself, I am aware that it is far too easy to get caught working "in" your business and not spending enough time working "on" your business. By having that weekly chat with like minded people it's great to step back, meet connections, discuss ideas and - being a Monday morning - charge up the enthusiasm bank for the week ahead.
I have been to CAP for two weeks and it has already enhanced my business. Thank you to Paul James and all the CAP members."
Andy Howley - The Graphics Shack
"Setting up your own business can be a very daunting experience. Joining CAP Business Clubs and meeting fellow like-minded people put me at ease, helped my confidence and provided me with some very useful advice. I have also made some very good friends along the way"
Grantley Rogers - 3p Enterprise Ltd
Running a business single handed is great fun but can sometimes be a difficult without having others off which to bounce ideas. CAP provides me with a friendly and sociable forum to meet with other like minded business people, share ideas and learn together. The people I have met at the club and the information I have gained have given me the incentive to change and improve the way we do things in our business. From printing to social media to insurance, help received from members of the club has been invaluable.
Jo Davies - Forest Traders
CAP Business Club is the first networking group we have joined and it has been an invaluable source for not only contacts and Business but for inspiration and idea's that we wouldn't have thought of too. Everyone in the group is so friendly and approachable and there is a genuine sense of unity and helpfulness for each other. It is a fantastic start to the week and we are very pleased to be part of it.
Susan Pearson - Betatelecoms
Beta Telecoms joined CAP in late 2012 we are now receiving business either from or via members of the group and this is proving to be one of the better networking groups that we attend. We have also been able to use the services of several members of the group either for ourselves or for members of our families. The group is vibrant and everyone is very willing to give hints and tips to other members on how to deal with challenges within business their business. During the course of the year we have had some excellent speakers on a variety of subjects from business themes to a local charity looking for assistance from the local business community. Beta Telecoms belongs to the Monday group and it is certainly a good way to start the week.
Joining CAP has been one of my best business decision for 2018 (and no doubt 2019 too!). I love being part of the Monday CAP group – we have a supportive and fun group that have been really helpful in helping my business relocate to the Forest of Dean and provide some great business ‘friends’. I look forward to Monday mornings. Don’t be put off by the 8am start, it’s worth it!!
Rachel Bate - Rachel's Rambling Rovers
On moving to a new/unknown area and setting up my new dog walking business, I soon realised that I had set myself quite a challenge. On learning about the CAP networking group, I went along as a visitor as soon as I could and discovered an amazing friendly group of other similar minded and sized business owners that would be a huge benefit to me - not only for meeting new people in a new area but also making great friends, benefitting from the wealth of local and small business knowledge within the group and also having a great reason to get up on a Monday morning! If you're a new small business owner and/or new to the Forest of Dean and looking for ways to meet great people and tradesmen alike, give CAP a try, what have you got to lose? -
Deborah Iles - The Garden Room Holistic Therapies
I would just like to say a big Thank you for your CAP business networking group.
I came as a guest on three occasions, visiting all three clubs before joining a few months later.
I had no pressure put onto me and was made to feel really welcome in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
Since being a member my fledgling business has grown and I have had the help, advice and professionals on hand to further develop it. I would recommend any business to come and see what it's all about...
Paul is a great enabler and has created an informal friendly platform for local businesses to flourish.
THANK YOU Paul and many thanks to the members who have been so helpful!
Michael Jones - PI Digital Signage
“As new to business and a young age I have found CAP business Club as helpful in many ways, from the most basic to the more important things. With all the different business within the club and all with their own skills they are all happy to help where they can. I would recommend the club to any business. I just want to thank all the people that help me so far to get started.”
Charles Scott
I’m not a great fan of business groups and networking meetings in general. They are just things that one feels that one has to endure in order to promote one’s business. Hence, when I accepted the invitation to go along to the CAP Thursday club shortly after moving into the area last February, it was with at best an open mind. What a breath of fresh air the club proved to be. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and other members made me feel at home straight away. Over the following months, I found that people were keen to help wherever they could. Doors were opened and opportunities presented that may never have materialised without CAP membership. I have no hesitation in recommending other businesses to CAP. The membership fee could hardly be more modest and you can come free as a guest before making a decision. There is no pressure regarding either membership or ‘performance’ as is the case with some organisations such as BNI. If you have a business in the Forest or are in the process of starting one, this is the forum for you.
Chris Adams - AD Fitness
"I would highly recommend CAP Business Club to other small business. As a new small business myself, I am aware that it is far too easy to get caught working "in" your business and not spending enough time working "on" your business. By having that weekly chat with like minded people it's great to step back, meet connections, discuss ideas and - being a Monday morning - charge up the enthusiasm bank for the week ahead.
I have been to CAP for two weeks and it has already enhanced my business. Thank you to Paul James and all the CAP members."
Andy Howley - The Graphics Shack
"Setting up your own business can be a very daunting experience. Joining CAP Business Clubs and meeting fellow like-minded people put me at ease, helped my confidence and provided me with some very useful advice. I have also made some very good friends along the way"
Grantley Rogers - 3p Enterprise Ltd
Running a business single handed is great fun but can sometimes be a difficult without having others off which to bounce ideas. CAP provides me with a friendly and sociable forum to meet with other like minded business people, share ideas and learn together. The people I have met at the club and the information I have gained have given me the incentive to change and improve the way we do things in our business. From printing to social media to insurance, help received from members of the club has been invaluable.
Jo Davies - Forest Traders
CAP Business Club is the first networking group we have joined and it has been an invaluable source for not only contacts and Business but for inspiration and idea's that we wouldn't have thought of too. Everyone in the group is so friendly and approachable and there is a genuine sense of unity and helpfulness for each other. It is a fantastic start to the week and we are very pleased to be part of it.
Susan Pearson - Betatelecoms
Beta Telecoms joined CAP in late 2012 we are now receiving business either from or via members of the group and this is proving to be one of the better networking groups that we attend. We have also been able to use the services of several members of the group either for ourselves or for members of our families. The group is vibrant and everyone is very willing to give hints and tips to other members on how to deal with challenges within business their business. During the course of the year we have had some excellent speakers on a variety of subjects from business themes to a local charity looking for assistance from the local business community. Beta Telecoms belongs to the Monday group and it is certainly a good way to start the week.
CAP Legacy
After eight years of running CAP Business Clubs here in the beautiful Forest of Dean, I can honestly say ‘hand on heart’ that I still take a tremendous amount of enjoyment from the positive vibes each meeting brings. All three clubs have amazing members who understand the power of collective minds working together for mutual benefit.
Humble beginnings
CAP originally stood for ‘Coleford Area Partnership’ and here’s a quick glance at how it all started.
In 2012 I was contracted to undertake the marketing position for the Coleford Area Partnership at the Main Place. The Partnership were responsible for hiring 6 small offices, a training room, meeting room and a large hall & kitchen. During this time, I was sat in the ‘Meeting Room’ thinking of multiple solutions of attracting more hirers, when a thought came to me that the room was perfect for business network meetings. I relayed the idea to the powers that be, they loved it and asked if I had experience in this field and if so, could I make it happen? Well, I had no experience running networking clubs, but I did have bags of enthusiasm ….so 90% there!
The first meeting was a great success and within a few weeks we had achieved the maximum capacity of 25 members. In fact, before too long we had a surplus of small business owners waiting to join! Within 6 months a second club was formed to deal with the growth and by the time my marketing contract ended in 2013, both clubs were prospering.
At the end of my contract the Partnership gave me both clubs. Yes, that’s right…they gave me both clubs to run as my own business. I simply hire the room from them now and our good relationship has continued and works both ways in terms of prosperity.
Life After the Partnership
It wasn’t too long before a third club was formed and to this day all 3 CAP clubs have been a pleasure to facilitate. CAP remained ‘CAP’ but now we had learned so much through experience. I had always believed in the power of giving and collaborating so, slowly but surely over the years we have moved away from the old, more traditional model and adjusted our course of priorities to suit. This has especially applied to the last couple of years. It’s fresh, enjoyable and straight forward. CAP now stands for Collaborate And Prosper ….and I am proud of this approach because the vast majority of our members understand that ‘competition’ is only competition if you view it that way. The wise ones work with their so say competitors. Yes, you must share the pie, but you can create a much bigger pie!
Collaborate And Prosper.
For us, it’s about what can I offer rather than what can I take. Who can I help? With whom can I forge a lasting and trusting relationship? It’s a completely different model from the traditional ‘What’s in it for me?’ …. Does it work? You bet your life it does. The success stories I could tell from my time at CAP could fill a book….ahh there’s an idea! So much comradery, so many heart-warming tales of compassion, encouragement and friendship. Members going above and beyond to share valuable knowledge and advice. It’s simply priceless.
One of the best comments I often hear is from new members who have procrastinated on networking activities due to negative preconceptions or bad experiences is this ….”If I had only known, I would have done this years ago!” ….Then I know we are on the right track. It really is a privilege and an honour to be part of CAP. Always appreciated and never taken for granted. I consider spending quality time with positive people on a regular basis the best thing I can do for my business, …and yes, my personal life too.
Humble beginnings
CAP originally stood for ‘Coleford Area Partnership’ and here’s a quick glance at how it all started.
In 2012 I was contracted to undertake the marketing position for the Coleford Area Partnership at the Main Place. The Partnership were responsible for hiring 6 small offices, a training room, meeting room and a large hall & kitchen. During this time, I was sat in the ‘Meeting Room’ thinking of multiple solutions of attracting more hirers, when a thought came to me that the room was perfect for business network meetings. I relayed the idea to the powers that be, they loved it and asked if I had experience in this field and if so, could I make it happen? Well, I had no experience running networking clubs, but I did have bags of enthusiasm ….so 90% there!
The first meeting was a great success and within a few weeks we had achieved the maximum capacity of 25 members. In fact, before too long we had a surplus of small business owners waiting to join! Within 6 months a second club was formed to deal with the growth and by the time my marketing contract ended in 2013, both clubs were prospering.
At the end of my contract the Partnership gave me both clubs. Yes, that’s right…they gave me both clubs to run as my own business. I simply hire the room from them now and our good relationship has continued and works both ways in terms of prosperity.
Life After the Partnership
It wasn’t too long before a third club was formed and to this day all 3 CAP clubs have been a pleasure to facilitate. CAP remained ‘CAP’ but now we had learned so much through experience. I had always believed in the power of giving and collaborating so, slowly but surely over the years we have moved away from the old, more traditional model and adjusted our course of priorities to suit. This has especially applied to the last couple of years. It’s fresh, enjoyable and straight forward. CAP now stands for Collaborate And Prosper ….and I am proud of this approach because the vast majority of our members understand that ‘competition’ is only competition if you view it that way. The wise ones work with their so say competitors. Yes, you must share the pie, but you can create a much bigger pie!
Collaborate And Prosper.
For us, it’s about what can I offer rather than what can I take. Who can I help? With whom can I forge a lasting and trusting relationship? It’s a completely different model from the traditional ‘What’s in it for me?’ …. Does it work? You bet your life it does. The success stories I could tell from my time at CAP could fill a book….ahh there’s an idea! So much comradery, so many heart-warming tales of compassion, encouragement and friendship. Members going above and beyond to share valuable knowledge and advice. It’s simply priceless.
One of the best comments I often hear is from new members who have procrastinated on networking activities due to negative preconceptions or bad experiences is this ….”If I had only known, I would have done this years ago!” ….Then I know we are on the right track. It really is a privilege and an honour to be part of CAP. Always appreciated and never taken for granted. I consider spending quality time with positive people on a regular basis the best thing I can do for my business, …and yes, my personal life too.
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The Main Place, Coleford offers conference rooms, training rooms, and office facilities set in a modern and well equipped environment. Find out more 01594 836469 info@main-place.org.uk
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