TWO new branches of a business networking group have been launched in Worcester after the resounding success of the existing two.

The Worcester and Kidderminster branches of the Business Networking International (BNI) was launched yesterday at the Swan Theatre.

Executive director David Bullock - who has been part of setting up the new chapters - said the opportunities offered by the BNI were well recognised in the Worcester area.

"Hence the launch of a further Worcester chapter so soon after the start-up of the first chapter here, as well as the creation of the first Kidderminster one," he said.

"Worcester businesses are definitely reaping the rewards of networking in this way."

BNI is a professional nationwide networking organisation whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals.

It has 1850 chapters in operation in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Canada.

And in 1999 members of BNI passed more than 1,392,000 referrals, generating more than £303m worth of business