What is the 1000 Club?
The 1000 club is a tier of membership for individuals or businesses wishing to benefit from the extensive contact base and outreach of the BACL. The ultimate objective of the BACL is to create a think tank of individuals who represent people who have achieved in their chosen field and can be a voice for the community or their business sector at the highest level of the Conservative Party. Now that we are in power we have a unique opportunity to develop this group into the first port of call for the party in this context.
Who can join?
To join every individual member has to be nominated by a proposer who must be a member of the BACL and recommender who must be an existing member of the 1000 club.
What are the costs?
The 1000 Club costs only £1,000 for annual membership. Anyone who joins in 2010 however will benefit from their membership lasting until 31 December 2011. For those who join from 1 January 2011, their membership will last for 12 months.
What are the benefits of joining?
Benefits include all other benefits of the BACL membership as well as networking opportunities and face-to-face meetings with high-ranking politicians. The named person from the business/individual member will also be invited to exclusive 1000 Club dinners. The 1000 Club members will also participate in sector specific business forums with the BACL patrons and politicians, taking advantage of various Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) opportunities organised by BACL and its partners. Any business members will be given the option to be profiled as a sponsor of BACL on our website.
The BACL will provide 2 free high profile dinners per annum as well as the meeting with the relevant minister within the total cost. Please note that guests can attend the dinners (for an additional fee) but the meetings with the ministers are for the exclusive benefit of the 1000 club members.
Do I have to be nominated?
Yes, every individual member has to be nominated by a proposer who must be a member of the BACL and recommender who must be an existing member of the 1000 club.
What are the different sectors that are referred to?
There are 6 sector groups - property, hospitality/hotels, care homes/healthcare, legal and professional, banking/finance and general commercial. These are currently in the process of being formed and there are still opportunities for sector heads to be appointed at this stage.
What level of access do I get to ministers/shadow ministers?
All 1000 club sector groups are guaranteed an annual meeting with the relevant minister/shadow minister that relates to their chosen area. This will provide a unique opportunity for you to voice any concerns you may have regarding the government policy that impacts on you and your business. The current intention is to hold meetings on an annual basis for each sector group. There is also an intention to assist with access to government for members as appropriate.
What happens if I want to join?
Please email Deepak Malhotra on deepak.malhotra@gtuk.com outlining who is proposing you and state any other information that is relevant to you joining. Alternatively you can call him directly on 07776 232372 if you would like to speak to him.
What happens then?
Once your application has been approved, you will be sent a link to pay your subscription fee and you will be sent a letter of welcome to the 1000 club and a certificate of membership. If applicable, we will also require your company details for the sponsors section of our website.
What else do I get as a member?
You will be a member of an exclusive club with internal networking promoted between the members. This will include an invite to 2 high profile annual dinners at no additional charge, where you can invite selected guests. It is also the intention that other events will take place on a regular basis.
What happens to my money?
Your contribution does to the BACL and the money will be spend in accordance with its stated objectives as well as fund the costs for the annual dinners and sector meetings.
Is there a cap on membership for the 1000 club and for each sector?
At present, there are no plans for a cap as such but the admission process will be rigorously adhered to and each sector head will ensure that the numbers at each sector will be manageable.
What happens at the sector meetings?
The sector chair will present an agenda to the minister/shadow minister along with questions from the members taken in advance.
