North London BNI Chipping Chapter retains the BNI Challenge Cup in a spectacular charity football match

By Debra Brunner

The power of business networking cannot be overstated when done correctly, and BNI (Business Network International) is a testament to this. With chapters around the world exchanging millions of referrals worth billions in revenue, BNI has proven itself as an extraordinary networking organisation. I have been a proud member of the BNI Chipping Chapter in North London since 2014, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. As the charity member, to date I have facilitated over £628,918 worth of business for my fellow members and received nearly £200,000 in support, including financial donations, humanitarian aid contributions, and pro bono services. Beyond the numbers, BNI has expanded my network across the USA and globally, introducing me to a network of like-minded professionals who believe in the ethos of “givers gain.”

the birth of a charity football tradition

This year, the BNI Chipping Chapter took on the BNI Vision Chapter in the highly anticipated BNI Challenge Cup, an event conceptualised by our very own Chris Constanti of CTL Security (locksmith services). A passionate Arsenal supporter and Southgate Olympic Football Club player, Chris envisioned an inter-chapter charity football challenge to bring members together while raising funds for a good cause. Two years ago, BNI Chipping faced off against BNI Fortune Chapter and emerged victorious. This year, we were determined to defend our title!

match day – a celebration of community and charity

The sun shone brightly on Sunday as BNI Chipping and BNI Vision went head-to-head. Our event was made possible thanks to the contributions of numerous members who played pivotal roles in organising and sponsoring the event. Hak Huseyin of Absolute Print in Archway, London, designed and printed the team shirts and served as an event sponsor. Ali Demir of Kingsley Estate Agents in Southgate not only played but also contributed as a sponsor.

Our Chipping team comprised an incredible lineup of business professionals who brought their A-game to the pitch:

• Tony Webster of ATS Football (Football coaching for 4-15 year-olds)
• Trevor Gee of Patient Health Ltd (Health Insurance)
• Arron Porges and Ricky Cowley of AW Porges Heating Engineer
• Hak Huseyin of Absolute Print – for all things in the printed world to branded items – pens, mugs, shop fronts and fridges!
• Ali Demir of Kingsley Estate Agents, Southgate
• Phil Rose of MD Johnson Electrical
• Christian Georgiou of Purified Panes (Window cleaning and gutter maintenance)
• Alfie Grace of Projekt Rising (AI business solutions)
• Obi Odigboh representing Rachel Brown of Action Coach (Chipping’s business coach)
• Kiri Georgiou representing Andrea Georgiou of ASAP Clearances (Residential and commercial property clearances)
• Andrew Andreou of Assessment Hive (Energy Consultancy)
• David Navarro representing Marcelo Navarro of Walfinch (In-home care)
• Additional contributions came from Avi Gal (Security), James Shallcross, and our dedicated team doctor, Simon Heller.

The match was a thrilling spectacle, keeping players and supporters on the edge of their seats (and picnic blankets). Chipping emerged victorious with a resounding 5-1 win, securing the coveted Challenge Cup once again. Our gratitude extends to the BNI Vision Chapter for their sportsmanship and participation in making this charity day a success. And of course, a big thank you to the BNI members and all the families that came along to watch and support.

fundraising success and community spirit

The event wasn’t just about football—it was about making a difference. Families and children gathered along the side lines, enjoying hotdogs and hot chocolate, and cheering on the players. Following the match, we convened at the club bar for an auction and raffle to support our next humanitarian aid consignment—13 tonnes of essential supplies destined for vulnerable communities in Belarus, including impoverished families, individuals with disabilities, and Holocaust survivors.

Special thanks to our generous contributors:

• Vijay Chandras of Quality Conveyancing Solicitors for the Lindt chocolate raffle donation and auction bids
• Suzanne Purton of ADC Cockfosters for her auction donation
• Tony Webster of ATS Football for his auction contribution
• Tracey and Mark Kieve for their auction donation
• David Jacobs of SRJ Accounting, who even managed to place his bid in the auction despite being en route to a skiing holiday, winning a wonderful three-course meal at The Stables Restaurant at The Grove Hotel in Chandlers Cross. A heartfelt thank you to The Grove for their generous donation.
• Southgate Olympic Football Club for their hospitality and support
• Steve Smith (PJ Flooring) for helping to bring the BNI Vision team together
• And a massive thank you to our wonderful volunteer team at The Together Plan – Andy Mihaleto, Tracey Kieve, Gwen Horwitz, Jack Baum and Sam Heller.

Thanks to our collective efforts, we raised an incredible £2000 for this vital cause.

BNI – cultivating growth and giving back

BNI has taught me that business growth is like farming, not hunting. It takes patience, trust, and relationship-building to truly thrive. The connections we forge, the support we provide, and the generosity we show define our success, both professionally and personally. This event embodied the spirit of BNI—giving, collaboration, and community spirit.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who participated, contributed, and supported our mission. Until next year’s Challenge Cup, let’s continue growing together, on and off the field!

For introductions to any of my fellow BNI members please contact me, or if you would like to come down and visit the Chapter in Mill Hill, London and find out what it’s all about, please drop me a line at [email protected]