The newly established BNI Cornerstone chapter in Cirencester proudly marks its official launch on 17 December with a festive meal and celebration attended by local business leaders, community supporters, and representatives from its chosen charity for 2026, The Churn Project.
The launch event celebrates the formation of the group, which brings together professionals from a wide range of industries to exchange referrals, support local enterprise, and strengthen business ties across Cirencester and the surrounding area. It is the latest in a growing number of BNI Chapters, which is the largest business networking organisation in the world, operating in 76 countries, with over 340,000 members.
At the launch event, the group will announce The Churn Project as its designated charity partner for 2026. This marks the beginning of a collaboration aimed at raising funds and awareness for the charity’s vital work supporting vulnerable and socially isolated people within the Cirencester area.
“We are thrilled to officially launch BNI Cornerstone and even more delighted to begin our partnership with The Churn Project,” says Simon Stapleton, the Chapter’s president. “Our members are committed both to growing their businesses and to making a meaningful contribution locally. Choosing to support The Churn Project, and the very important work it does, is the perfect way to start our journey.”
The Churn Project celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 and has a packed roster of events planned to raise its profile and the much-needed funds it needs to continue its work. BNI Cornerstone will be supporting many of these events, including a 25km sponsored walk in May from Seven Springs, the source of the River Churn, to the charity’s offices in central Cirencester, which aims to raise £25k.
Speaking on behalf of The Churn Project, Kathryn Bell, operations manager, comments, “We are extremely grateful that the members of the new BNI Cornerstone group have decided to adopt The Churn Project as its charity partner. With the members’ enthusiasm and desire to do good locally, the collaboration will help highlight the positive impact that business partnerships can have on sustaining key community services.”
The BNI Cornerstone chapter holds its regular weekly meetings at Cirencester cafe, Roots and Seeds, and is looking to welcome additional local businesses, be they solopreneurs or multi-employee organisations, that share its commitment to collaborative growth and community engagement.