BUSINESSES in the Pocklington area will launch a new network on Thursday designed to promote business, generate referrals and increase sales for local companies. The Pocklington Business Network is the brainchild of local businessman Darren Wiseman, who set up and runs his own successful internet solutions company from nearby East Cottingwith.

Together with Business Link adviser Sally Steadman and Andy Bullard from Assured Accountancy in Pocklington, he is launching it at a breakfast meeting at the KP Club’s Golf Club, at Kilnwick Piercy, Pocklington, from 7.30am.

Mr Wiseman, director of Eshopcreator, said: “There are a lot of great business opportunities that can capitalised on when local companies work together.

“The Pocklington Business Network will create a hub for local businesses, provide a chance for us to meet and get together and create a platform for us to address issues that affect us.”

The plan is initially to hold meetings every two months, giving attendees the chance to meet and network, as well as getting useful advice from guest business speakers.

Thursday’s pioneers will have the chance to meet, eat and network with each other as well as hearing recession-busting tips from business expert Chris Fordy, of Action International.

Mr Fordy, who built up his own IT business and sold it to German electronics giant Siemens, at the height of the economic downturn in the 1990s, will be talking about Five Ways To Increase Profits.

This will include how to get the best value from marketing investments and how to create a growing business in challenging times. There will be an introductory offer of £5 per attendee (normally £10). For more information and to register for a place visit www.pocklingtonnetwork.co.uk or phone Mr Wiseman on 01759 318787.