KLT Networking, the business behind Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire's successful 'Ten' Sales Intel Groups, is expanding into Moray and North Scotland with local businessman Mike Duncan taking on the region as KLT’s first-ever franchisee.
KLT currently runs 15 groups across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with more than 150 members generating over £35 million in new business between them since the network began. Each group brings together ten members from non-competing businesses, who meet fortnightly to share market intelligence, make introductions and support one another's growth.
From 1st September, Mike will bring that same model to the Moray area with the establishment of Ten (North). His initial focus will be on establishing the first group in Forres. A series of information meetings will be held across the area in the coming weeks to launch the first group, with further details to be announced shortly.
Mike currently holds the position of Engagement Manager (North Scotland) for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and will continue in this role part-time alongside running the Ten (North) franchise. Well known and well connected across the local business community, he has seen first-hand how the Ten model has supported businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and believes Moray and the surrounding northern areas can benefit from the same kind of connected, supportive network.
He is particularly keen to see the area between Aberdeen and Inverness recognised as a hub in its own right. A natural link point between the two cities, with real opportunity to grow trade and business activity both east and west along that corridor.
Mike Duncan, Owner of Ten (North), shared: “Living here, I clearly see the potential in the healthy mix of long established and up and coming businesses in the wider Moray area.
“There’s a real opportunity to increase commerce right along the Inverness to Aberdeen corridor and through Ten (North) I can support anyone who’s interested in business development to take full advantage of that. I'm passionate about connecting people, bringing the right individuals together to share knowledge, open doors and help each other grow.
“Through my role with FSB I see every day just how much appetite there is here for that kind of support. With Ten (North) I'm in a strong position to help encourage and support that growth. I’m looking forward to getting started and establishing the first group in Forres.”
Mike sees exponential growth potential in the area and views the franchise as a direct way to help raise the local economy and support businesses to grow and thrive. It marks the first of what Andrew Smith, Director of KLT Networking hopes will become a series of regional Ten franchises across Scotland.
“Franchising the Ten model has always been part of our long-term plan. Our members have collectively won over £35 million in new business through the network and we've seen time and again what happens when the right group of people come together to share intel, make introductions and support one another.
“Mike is exactly the right person to bring those same results to the north. He's well connected, invested in the businesses and individuals he works with and has the drive and network to make Ten (North) a success. This is just the first step in taking those benefits to a wider area of Scotland,” said Andrew Smith, Director, KLT Networking.
Centred on Moray, the Ten (North) franchise will operate from Nairn down to Aviemore, across to Aboyne and up to Banff, with Mike aiming to build a strong first cohort of members ahead of the launch.
As in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, each Ten (North) group will be made up of ten members from non-competing businesses, meeting fortnightly to exchange market intel, make introductions and support each other's growth.
For more information on joining a Ten (North) group, or to register interest ahead of the September launch, contact Mike Duncan at mike@kltnetworking.com or call 07779 024039.