Last Saturday was a bit of a special one for us here at Big Bear Digital. While most people were perhaps enjoying a quiet weekend or catching up on chores, our founder, Steve Jewell, was at the UK BNI Leaders Conference. It was a day filled with big ideas, networking, and the kind of energy that only comes from a room full of motivated business leaders.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Steve didn’t just attend the event: he walked away with the award for Director of the Year – Retaining Members.
Now, if you aren’t familiar with BNI (Business Network International), you might be wondering why an award for “retaining members” is such a big deal. You might be thinking, “That’s nice, Steve, but what does it have to do with my website?” Well, the answer is: everything.
This award isn’t just a trophy for the shelf. It is a direct reflection of the philosophy that drives Big Bear Digital every single day. It’s about the “Big Bear Difference” and why we do things differently than your average web agency.
Why Retention is the Ultimate Metric
In the world of business networking, it’s easy to focus on the flashy stuff. People love to talk about how many new members they’ve signed up or how big their group has grown in a month. But here is the truth: anyone can sell a membership once. The real challenge, and the real value, lies in keeping those people.
Retaining members means you are providing consistent value. It means you are listening to their needs, solving their problems, and ensuring they are seeing a return on their investment of time and money. If people aren’t getting what they need, they leave. It’s as simple as that.
So, when Steve was named Director of the Year – Retaining Members, it was a massive nod to his ability to build communities where people want to stay. It shows he isn’t just interested in the “sale” or the “sign-up.” He is interested in the long-term success of every single person in that room.
Does that sound familiar? It should, because it’s exactly how we treat our clients at Big Bear Digital.
The Problem with the “Build and Bolt” Model
If you’ve ever worked with a traditional web design agency, you probably know the drill. You pay a massive upfront fee, maybe three or four thousand pounds, to get a website built. You wait weeks, or even months, for the project to be finished. Then, once the site goes live, the agency disappears into the night.
If you want a small change six months later, you’re hit with another invoice. If the site breaks, you’re stuck in a support queue. You are left on your own to figure out the hosting, the security, and how to actually make the site grow your business.
We think that model is broken. It doesn’t help small businesses grow; it just puts a massive dent in their cash flow right when they need it most.
Why would you pay for a product that starts becoming outdated the second it’s finished? Why settle for a service provider who only cares about you until the final check clears?
The Big Bear Difference: Partnerships over Projects
When we started Big Bear Digital, Steve wanted to bring that same “retention mindset” to the digital world. We didn’t want to be an agency that just “built websites.” We wanted to be an active partner for small businesses.
This led to our unique website plans. Instead of charging you thousands of pounds upfront, we charge a set monthly fee.
- The Entry Level: Our one-page website plans start at just £95 per month. This is perfect for trades and startups who need a professional presence without the headache.
- The Standard and PRO Plans: For businesses looking for a full marketing site, our plans go up to £250+ per month.
But here is the kicker: that monthly fee covers everything. We handle the initial design and build, the planning, the advice, the ongoing hosting, the maintenance, and even content changes when you need them.
Because we don’t charge an upfront fee, we are incentivised to keep you happy. If we don’t provide value, you won’t stay with us. Our entire business model is built on the same principle that won Steve his award: retention through value.
We Grow Together
A website should never be “finished.” Your business changes, your industry evolves, and your customers’ needs shift. If your website is a static project that you paid for two years ago, it’s probably holding you back.
By choosing a monthly plan with Big Bear, you aren’t just buying a website; you’re buying a team that is dedicated to your online strategy.
Need to update your services? Just let us know. Want to add a new gallery of your recent work? We’ve got it. Need advice on how to use a CRM to manage your new leads? We are here to help.
We want to see your business succeed because when you grow, we grow. That is what a real partnership looks like. It’s about being there for the long haul, providing the support you need to navigate the digital world without the jargon or the hidden costs.
A Huge Congratulations to Steve
Winning Director of the Year – Retaining Members at the UK BNI Leaders Conference is a proud moment for all of us. It confirms what we already knew: that Steve’s passion for supporting people and building long-term relationships is what makes Big Bear Digital special.
It’s easy to be a “service provider.” It’s much harder to be a partner. But as Steve’s new award proves, being a partner is what actually gets results.
We want to say a huge thank you to the BNI community for the recognition and, more importantly, a massive thank you to our clients. You are the reason we do what we do. Your growth is our success, and we can’t wait to keep building great things together.
If you’re tired of the “build and bolt” approach and want a digital partner who is actually invested in your success, we’d love to chat. Whether you’re a local tradesman looking for your first site or an established business ready to level up your digital performance, we have a plan that fits.
If you’re thinking about getting a new website for your business, we’d love to help. Get in touch with Big Bear Digital and let’s have a chat.