Herefordshire businesses get up to speed at networking event

A special networking event in Herefordshire has been hailed a success after 40 businesses turned up at the inaugural session.

Organised by the Marches Growth Hub Herefordshire, the event at Weston under Penyard, near Ross on Wye, was based on speed dating and gave people the chance to explain what their business offers and identify business opportunities during one-to-one meetings, lasting just two minutes.

Teams from the hub and Hereford’s Business Solutions Centre were also on hand to outline the finance, grants, advice, events, support and networks that are available to businesses.

The Marches Growth Hub offers a central point of access for Herefordshire businesses looking for support through its business-friendly website, www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk and its hub base at Skylon Court, on the Hereford Enterprise Zone. Businesses can also call the support helpline on 0345 6000 727.

John Stanford, who runs wedding chauffeur firm Deputy Driver, said: “The event was great. I got the opportunity to speak with 40 new contacts and I’ve made two new customers. I could attend two or three wedding fairs, which would cost me a lot of time and money, and not achieve that.”

Councillor David Harlow, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Support for Economic Development, said: “It was pleasing to see so many businesses at the Ross-on-Wye event. They all embraced the concept and networked enthusiastically.”

The January 26 event was the first in a series that will be held across Herefordshire each month by the Marches Growth Hub.

The next will be at Grange Court, Leominster, on February 23.

For more information on business support available, visit www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk or contact 0345 6000 727. The website features a searchable database of nearly 100 products and schemes to help businesses grow, from information on funding and finance to export and commercial premises.