Photo shows Liverpool-based Leon Brown who is helping Claire Bicknell find a Merseyside franchisee for Catena Business Network.
Catena Network, the specialist business introductions expert, is expanding its franchise into Liverpool and Merseyside and is looking for someone who can take up the opportunity to build a new business. This announcement comes as data for Liverpool from a recent nationwide study conducted by The National Lottery has revealed that over 50% of the city’s workforce are seriously wanting to switch careers, and that around 30% would think about starting their own business.
The ‘business dating agency’, founded by Midlands-based Claire Bicknell, provides on and off-line commercial introductions for ambitious entrepreneurs as well as for established firms. Catena launched in 2013 after Claire identified the need for a professional introduction service to connect like-minded businesses. She knows the Merseyside area well having lived there for several years working as a project and business development manager for Unilever and Eli Lilly, and for commercial law firms Brabners and BLM Solicitors.
Catena Network is now looking at the North West to accelerate its growth having established the first franchise in Lincolnshire earlier this year. Taking up a franchise will create the potential for someone in Liverpool to build an additional income based on their existing professional contacts and with the support from the Catena central team.
Claire says: “I am hearing of more and more business professionals whose income has dropped for a variety of reasons. Now might be the time for a fresh start in a new venture, but one that is already structured and scalable across the Liverpool commercial community. What I am trying to achieve with the Network is the ability for businesses to grow relationships with each other, developing trust to the point they feel confident to do business or recommend to others.”
Leon Brown, owner of Liverpool-based technology company Nextpoint first met Claire when he was on a university placement at Brabners. Leon is seeing the impact of Covid on the region’s businesses, especially in tourism and retailing. He adds: “Any new venture that aims to strengthen and grow local companies would be a boost for the city. We are going to need firms to expand and create new jobs to counter the negative effects of the virus . If a new business network like Catena can help make this happen that would be very welcome. Maybe this opportunity would suit someone working as a student careers adviser who already has many commercial contacts. I’m certainly grateful for the mentoring support Claire gave me when I eventually set up my own business. She has stayed in touch, and is always generous with her contacts.”
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Catena went online with its ‘Beating Business Isolation’ programme of events including a Race Night and regular business talks. Popular Directors’ Dinners have restarted for up to six senior leaders who meet to share their business experience and contacts.
Claire continues: “I am looking for a new franchise partner who is interested in other people and in using the Catena business networking model to help businesses to grow. I hope this is a timely offer for an enterprising professional looking to switch careers. If our partnership brings longer term benefits to the local Liverpool economy, let’s start now.”
Claire can be contacted via LinkedIn or the Catena website.
Media enquiries: Louise Third MBE, Integra Communications 07773 288342
