How to maximise your membership with BECBC: seven key steps

By Liz Bowe, BECBC Member Opportunity Consultant

BECBC (Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster) is a thriving business community offering members access to invaluable networking opportunities, business development resources, and collaboration platforms. However, simply being a member isn’t enough—you need to actively engage to fully benefit from what the cluster offers. Here’s how you can make the most of your membership.

1. Keep your profile up to date

Your company’s profile on the BECBC website or on our app is one of the first things people will check when they want to connect with you. Ensure that your profile is current, clear, and compelling. Include:

• Up-to-date contact details, offer a person for them to connect with

• A succinct description of your services and capabilities

• Your unique selling proposition (USP)

Many businesses miss opportunities simply because their profile is incomplete or outdated. Regularly reviewing and updating your information ensures that other members can easily find and engage with you.

2. Tell us who to send opportunities to

If you have a contact within your organisation who deals with business development let us know who they are. This will ensure that our service of delivering opportunities straight to you doesn’t get lost in a generic email inbox. Email opps@becbusinesscluster.co.uk to let us know.

3. Attend meetings and sector group events

BECBC offers a variety of events, from networking meetings to industry-specific sector groups. Attending regularly is key to building relationships and keeping up with developments in your sector.

We often see businesses joining but only attending one meeting per year - this simply isn’t enough to establish meaningful connections. Commit to regular participation, and you’ll quickly see the benefits of visibility and engagement within the cluster.

4. Actively explore business opportunities

If your contacts details and profile on the BECBC app are correct you should be getting opportunities direct to your inbox. If we know who you are and what you do, we will send your opportunities as and when we spot them.

But you also need to be proactive, make it a habit to check the BECBC website opportunities section at least once or twice a week. Even if an opportunity doesn’t seem like an obvious fit, don’t dismiss it too quickly. Many listings have broad applications, and what may not seem relevant at first glance could be an avenue worth exploring.

5. Be visible at events and engage with other members

Visibility is crucial. Attend external supplier engagement events and free industry meetups. Being present at these gatherings ensures that your business is on people’s radars. The more you engage, the more opportunities will come your way. If you sit back and wait for work to come to you, you’re missing out.

Another great way to increase visibility is to volunteer within BECBC. Whether it’s helping with meet-and-greet roles at events or participating in panels, egg-timers or using prestation slots these activities enhance your profile and expand your network.

6. Use BECBC as a development tool for your team

Encourage employees to participate in BECBC events as part of their professional development. Engaging with the cluster is an excellent way for staff to build industry knowledge, develop networking skills, and access mentoring opportunities.

Some companies say they don’t have anyone available to attend event but participating in BECBC should be viewed as an investment in your business’s growth. If your team is engaged, your company will benefit from better industry insights and stronger relationships within the cluster.

7. Take advantage of 1-1 support

All members are entitled to a 1-1 meeting with myself (Liz Bowe) to discuss opportunities and how to make the most of your membership. If you need support updating your profile, Ellen Muncaster is available to help refine and improve your company’s presence on the BECBC platforms.

Maximising your BECBC membership requires active participation, regular engagement, and a strategic approach to networking. Keep your profile updated, attend meetings, explore opportunities, stay visible, and use the cluster as a professional development resource. By doing these seven things, you’ll ensure that your membership isn’t just a name on a list but a gateway to real business growth.

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