A NEW business networking group has launched in Hook.

BNI Hook Highflyers runs weekly at Highfield Park Hotel, in Heckfield, launched by Rory Shipton.

The financial advisor was a member of another BNI group in a different area, and said: “I have been in the industry for 19 years and I left employment and went self employed about three years ago and joined this group in another location and got to meet some fantastic businesses and got to develop my network of contacts and get new clients I could help.”

The groups allow only one person from each profession to join, and Rory struggled to find a BNI group in the Basingstoke area which didn’t already have a financial advisor, so decided to launch his own group.

“I launched it to expand my network but also to help other businesses,” he explained.

The group launched in August last year and now has 18 members who meet every Friday for breakfast.

The weekly meeting involves informal networking followed by breakfast then presentation from one of the members.

Rory said: “Everyone has a chance to talk about their business and what they do and what they are looking for.”

Members also find out about how to better network and develop their skills.

Since launching last summer more than £45k worth of business has been passed between members.

Current businesses include a conveyancing solicitor, plumber, builder, seamstress and jewellery maker.

Rory said the group offers more than just business networking, adding: “We meet for one-to-ones and come together for a couple of hours every Friday morning. We also organise social events and go for a meal out. It develops friendships, we spend a lot of time together.”

For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bni-hook-high-flyers-business-generating-breakfast-tickets-41707344791.