IN LIEU of a chamber of commerce, one lady from Holsworthy has set up the ‘Holsworthy Business Networking Group’, which aims to help local businesses connect and grow.

The first meeting of the Holsworthy Business Networking Group was held in The Kings Arms on Tuesday, March 13.

The event was organised by Lucie Cullen, a success coach and owner of ‘This Life Business’, who saw a need in the town for a networking group.

She said: “It has been bandied around on social media that Holsworthy businesses miss out because there isn’t a chamber of commerce. I am the sort of person that if something is not there and I think it should be I will go and set it up, so that’s why I created the Holsworthy Business Networking Group.

“It was great to get Holsworthy to come together and talk about business as the town’s market square has been struggling to draw people in recently and I think that is a real shame because we have some wonderful micro businesses in the town.”

She said it is hoped the group will bring more business owners together so strong bonds can be formed within the town.

“We are hoping to hold the meetings once every four to five weeks if possible. I really want it to be accessible to everyone so the events are free to attend — I want to encourage as many local businesses as I can to get involved and it is important for me that is accessible as many events like this charge around £25 and that can often put small business owners off.

“People can bring their business cards, grab a drink and just start chatting.”

One person who did take advantage of the opportunity to attend the inaugural meeting of the Holsworthy Business Networking Group was Matt Dennis, of Matthew Dennis Hypnotherapy.

He said: “A great event! It was fantastic to find out just how many services Holsworthy can offer and I’m sure this is just scratching the surface. It was lovely to meet friendly, motivated people who are really looking to push their businesses forward.”

All the meetings are free to attend. The next meeting has been arranged for April 17 at The Kings Arm from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and the monthly meetings will continue as well as offering additional business support, in areas identified as needed by member of the group.

By purchasing as a collective, these will be far more affordable for the small and micro businesses in the community.