By Victoria Brenan

Published at 11:26, Thursday, 06 September 2012

A NEW business networking event has been launched by Allerdale Council to share ideas and boost trade.

The launch event in Cockermouth saw dozens of people meet up to discuss how best to grow their businesses.

Catherine Eve, from Bowness HR, said 70 per cent of new business came from word of mouth and that the idea of reciprocity and ‘social capital’ had real value to businesses.

Suzanne Ellsworth, who runs a communications company in Cockermouth, said Catherine’s speech had inspired everyone and ‘broken the ice’.

Debbie Cosgrove, project manager for Allerdale Council, said it had been great to see the room full for the event, at the Trout Hotel.

“For the this first event, the level of optimism, energy and appetite to share connections was very encouraging,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing more local businesses developing relationships outside of their own towns and sharing the wealth of expertise we have in Allerdale.”

Shelly Gambles, business support manager at Britain’s Energy Coast, said there was a great variety of businesses who came along.

“We’ve already seen evidence that it’s working, with people reporting back on new leads and connections they followed up straight away,” she said.

“Social network sites suggest a genuine committed to attending more events which is an encouraging start.”

The next in the series of monthly events will look at connecting the group via social media.

It will be held at the Helena Thompson Museum in Workington from 6-8pm on September 27.

Anyone who would like to attend the next event or wanting to find out more can contact Louise Kane at Britain’s Energy Coast on 01900 65656 or email louise.kane@britainsenergycoast.co.uk.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk