Purpose

Principle Six is a network of men and women working in co-operative businesses, employee owned firms and social enterprises.

Its sole purpose is to increase the amount and quality of new business won by its members through the giving and receiving of business referrals.

We do this by providing a structured environment for the development and exchange of information about new business opportunities, and qualified introductions to potential new clients, customers and business partners.

Members undertake to educate each other about their services and products, and the kind of referrals they seek. They agree to engage actively in network events and activities, and to generate qualified business referrals from within their own contact sphere. They undertake to follow up conscientiously on referrals they receive, and to be open with other members about the outcome of those referrals. Members also agree to help grow the number and quality of business introductions made, by bringing visitors and potential new members to Principle Six events and activities.

Principles

• Voluntary and open membership
  Anyone who can bring qualified business referrals, and is willing to work towards the aims of Principle Six, is eligible for membership of the network.
• Democracy
  The policies and activities of Principle Six are controlled by the members.
• Participation
  Joining the network means actively engaging in its activities. Principle Six is owned and managed equitably by its members.
• Autonomy
  If Principle Six enters into agreements with other organisations – government, commercial or third sector – it will only do so on the basis that it stays under the control of its members, and maintains its independence.
• Education
  Principle Six undertakes to train its members in business networking skills. Its members agree to educate each other about their own businesses, and to promote the aims, activities and principles of the network.
• Co-operation
  Principle Six works co-operatively to generate new business referrals for all the members.
• Community
  Principle Six exists to support both the long term growth and success of its members’ businesses, and the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate.

Code of Ethics

• Be truthful with the members and with people to whom they are referred through the network.
• Be honest in promoting their business and its products or services at a level of quality and cost they are able to deliver.
• Build trust among the members, and goodwill between Principle Six and the communities in which its members work.
• Take responsibility for following up on referrals they receive.
• Display a positive and supportive attitude with network members.
• Live up to the highest ethical standards of their trade or profession.

If you would like to know more about the Principle Six network, or would like to join, please email secretary@principlesix.coop.