BNI Xcel Cottingham

18/10/2026

👋 Meet BNI Xcel Cottingham — where local businesses help local businesses grow.

Behind every referral is a person who trusts another person enough to recommend their business.

That’s what we’re building at BNI Xcel Cottingham.

We’re a newly launched group of ambitious local business owners who are already sharing opportunities, making introductions and passing referrals — while getting to know the people we want to do business with.

And we’d love to welcome more local professionals into the room.

🔎 We’re particularly keen to meet business owners who value relationships, enjoy helping others succeed and want to grow their business through recommendations.

Could your business be a great fit?

📩 Get in touch to arrange a visit.

Know someone who should be in the room? Tag them below!

18/10/2026

18/10/2026

18/10/2026

Check your credit file before you apply for a mortgage. Not after. 🔍

Nothing derails a mortgage application like a surprise. And credit file surprises are more common than you’d think:

❌ An old address you never updated
❌ A missed payment you’d forgotten about
❌ A financial link to someone you no longer live with
❌ A defaulted account that isn’t yours
❌ A mobile contract or store card still open in your name

Any of these can affect the lender’s decision, the rate you’re offered, or whether you’re accepted at all.

Check at least 3 months before you apply. That gives you time to:

✅ Correct errors with the credit reference agency
✅ Register on the electoral roll if you aren’t already
✅ Close accounts you no longer use
✅ Pay down balances where you can

You can check your file for free with all three main agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Look at all three, as lenders don’t all use the same one.

Found something you don’t understand? Don’t panic. Many issues are fixable, and others can be placed with the right lender if you plan ahead.

Know your file. Know your options. No surprises.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

18/10/2026

Shop and support your local hospice 🛍️

As the seasons change and it's time for a few new pieces in the wardrobe, don't forget to shop sustainably this Autumn in your local Dove House Shop...

https://www.dovehouse.org.uk/shops/

17/10/2026

We’re new to BNI, but we’re already doing business!

BNI Xcel Cottingham may be a recently launched networking group, but the referrals are already flowing, business is being passed, and valuable relationships are being built.

That’s what happens when local business owners come together with one shared goal: to help each other grow.

We’re building a network of trusted professionals who want to see one another succeed — and we’re only just getting started!

🤝 Are you a business owner in Cottingham, Hull or the surrounding area who wants to grow through trusted relationships and word-of-mouth referrals?

Come and visit BNI Xcel Cottingham and see the difference for yourself.

📩 Message us to find out how to visit.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

🏆🎬 And the Oscar goes to… 🌟

At BNI Xcel, we’re celebrating brilliant business pitches with our new Oscar for the Best 60-Second Presentation!

Last week’s winner was Debbie Jude! 👏 A great way to recognise members who deliver a clear, memorable message and help others understand who they want to be referred to.

Now the big question is… who will take home the Oscar next week? 🏆

14/10/2026