WHEN Webheath businessman Dan Hayes, of web design firm Web Space Invaders, looked for a business networking group to help his business grow, he found the choice very limited.

Not easily deterred, he took the bull by the horns and founded the Redditch and Bromsgrove Business Group.

His motivation was simple - the networking group needed to serve local businesses in a friendly and supportive atmosphere without exaggerated membership fees.

It is nearly a year on and the group is going strong, with a new venue to accommodate the growing member list.

The meetings will now be held on the last Thursday of the month at Webheath Village Hall.

The businesses involved range from an Aquatics Shop to a training provider.

Mr Hayes and founder member Matt Stokes, of IT Consultancy Netperk Limited, demonstrate well how local firms can work together.

With many similarities in their respective IT businesses they have been able to refer customers to each other and work on joint projects.

Mr Stokes said: "I had never met Dan before joining the group.

"But we work well together and understand the pressures of a successful IT venture."

For information call on 07966 005 096 or go

to www.businessgroup.co.uk